Amazon leaffish
📖 Overview
Amazon leaffish (Monocirrhus polyacanthus), first described by Heckel, 1840 is a small fish in the family Polycentridae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 8.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Polycentridae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Amazon leaffish is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Amazon leaffish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Produces up to 300 eggs.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 5.0 - 6.0; dH range: 5 - 8. Tropical; 22°C - 25°C South America: Amazon River basin in Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Columbia, and Venezuela.
🌿 Ecology
fish (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Amazon leaffish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Amazon leaffish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Amazon leaffish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Amazon Leaffish · Leaf Fish · South American leaffish |
| 🌍CES | ostnáč listový |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Amazonbladfisk |
| 🇵🇱Polish | Brodaczyk · liścień brodaczyk |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Acará-folha · Peixe folha · Peixe-folha-da-amazônia |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Рыба-лист |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Pez hoja |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monocirrhus mimophyllus | Eigenmann & Allen | 1921 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 12 records indexed .
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