Water parameters
Overview
The Gangetic leaffish is an ambush predator that lives in the ponds, swamps and slow-flowing waters of South Asia. Its olive-green to brown, irregularly mottled body camouflages it among plants like a rotting leaf. When prey comes close, it swallows it in an instant with its large, protrusible mouth. It reaches 15–20 cm. It can also tolerate slightly brackish water.
Tank Setup
- At least 150 liters for a single individual.
- Dense plants, roots and branches; dim light and floating plants.
- Moderately hard, neutral or slightly alkaline water; weak flow.
- Without hiding places it becomes stressed and stops eating.
Diet
Carnivorous. Live or frozen shrimp, worms, bloodworms and small fish. Some individuals accept fish fillet and sinking pellets over time.
Behavior and Compatibility
A predator that waits motionless; it eats fish and shrimp that fit in its mouth. It can be territorial toward its own kind.
Good companions: calm species of similar size that are too big to fit in its mouth: large gouramis, large barbs, calm large cichlids.
Avoid: small and medium-sized fish, shrimp, fin-nipping species.
A short profile for this species
The Gangetic Leaffish page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.
Tank mates
This list is calculated automatically from the species profile and grows as new species are added to the catalog. Try it in the planner for a definite answer.
Usually compatible
Yellow Regal Peacock
Glass Tetra
Firemouth Cichlid
Buffalohead Cichlid
Chocolate Cichlid
Demasoni Cichlid
Festivum
Rainbow Cichlid
Gymnogeophagus balzanii
Pearl Cichlid
Should not be kept together
Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026