Fin's Fish Guide
The Guyana leaffish (Polycentrus schomburgkii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Polycentridae that grows up to 6 cm.
Northern South America and Caribbean islands; clear and turbid water, often brackish.
Description
Schomburgk's leaffish is a small predatory fish of the leaffish family (Polycentridae) from northern South America and the Caribbean islands. The species grows to only about 5 to 6 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, dark mottled body that strongly resembles a dead leaf. With this camouflage and a drifting, seemingly lifeless posture it stalks prey, then sucks it in at once with a strongly protrusible mouth. It occurs in clear and turbid water, often in brackish water, and hunts worms, insects and small fishes. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guyana leaffish?
The Guyana leaffish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Mimics a dead leaf as camouflage and sucks in prey with a protrusible mouth.
Where does the Guyana leaffish live?
The Guyana leaffish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern South America and Caribbean islands; clear and turbid water, often brackish.
How big does the Guyana leaffish get?
The Guyana leaffish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Guyana leaffish dangerous to humans?
No, the Guyana leaffish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Guyana leaffish edible?
The Guyana leaffish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Polycentridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guyana leaffish is one of 12,519 species in the app.