Water parameters
Overview
The Guyana leaffish is a small ambush predator recognized by the light-colored spots on its dark brown to blackish body. The rear parts of its dorsal and anal fins and its tail fin are almost transparent, so the fish looks tailless in the water. It hides among plants during the day and hunts at dusk. It gets used to frozen foods more easily than the Amazon leaffish.
Tank Setup
- At least 80 liters for a pair.
- Dense plants, roots and caves; dim light and floating plants.
- Soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic or neutral water; weak flow.
- A flat-roofed cave or pot for breeding.
Diet
Carnivorous. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis, small worms and small live fish. Most individuals get used to frozen foods over time.
Behavior and Compatibility
Calm but predatory; it eats small fish and shrimp that fit in its mouth. During the breeding season the male defends his cave and guards the eggs.
Good companions: calm species too big to fit in its mouth: medium-sized tetras, the larger dwarf cichlid species, Corydoras.
Avoid: small schooling fish, shrimp, fast and aggressive species.
A short profile for this species
The Guyana 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
Emerald Betta
Porthole Catfish
Keyhole Cichlid
Firemouth Cichlid
Cupid Cichlid
Buffalohead Cichlid
Festivum
Geophagus altifrons
Geophagus surinamensis
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