Schomburg's Leaffish

Polycentrus schomburgkii is native to Trinidad, Venezuela, and Guyana, where it inhabits slow-moving, heavily vegetated streams and forest pools. It is smaller than the Amazon Leaffish and has a slightly different profile, but shares the same extraordinary leaf camouflage. Unlike its relatives, it can be kept in pairs and occasionally accepts frozen foods after acclimatisation.

Water: 22–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, soft freshwater; tannins beneficial. Tank: 80 L minimum; leaf litter, driftwood, and dark substrate for best camouflage expression. Feeding: Carnivorous; prefers live feeder shrimp and small fish; may accept frozen shrimp over time. Behaviour: Ambush predator; lurks motionless then strikes rapidly; can be kept in male-female pairs. Compatibility: Species tank; will eat any fish it can fit in its mouth.