Care
The Indonesian Leaf Fish is known from the lowland streams and peat swamps of Bangka, Belitung, Borneo, and Sumatra in Indonesia, Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, and some areas of Thailand. In its native heavily vegetated habitats, the Indonesian Leaf Fish lurks among fallen foliage and other aquatic debris in order to ambush unsuspecting passing prey; any small-sized fish that swim too near are quickly ensnared. This behaviour continues in the home aquarium, and is why this captivating Pristolepid is best maintained in a species-only tank. This is not only because of its predatory nature towards small fish, but also because it tends to become bullied by larger more aggressive species. Indonesian Leaf Fish are not particularly belligerent themselves if adequate numbers are kept and suitable space/visual barriers are given, but their predatory habits and nocturnal activity spells a very real danger for standard community fish. In the wild, as you may expect, this species is found in a variety of different habitats, the waters of which are all relatively slow-moving with an abundance of aquatic vegetation. Therefore the aquarium housing Indonesian Leaf Fish should be densely planted with plenty of tall trailing plants, plus floating varieties, for them to lurk amongst. They will also appreciate other shady areas assembled from bogwood pieces and rocky caves. Ideally, the tank will be at least 4ft long because these fish are fast growers and will quickly attain a large adult size. Small partial water changes should be carried out on a regular basis as these fish will not fare well if subjected to high levels of nitrate. Indonesian Leaf Fish should be maintained in a group of 5 or more individuals. Groups smaller than 5 are rarely successful and we do not recommend this be attempted. When keeping a larger group, all individuals MUST be introduced at the same time to prevent unnecessary territorial arguments that would otherwise be aimed at any newcomers. Any specimens added to the group at a later date could be caused so much stress by the long-term residents, that they do not make it through the acclimatization period. Some aquarists claim to have had success in housing these fish alongside Synodontis catfish, Port Hoplo Catfish, larger members of the Loricariidae family (Suckermouth cats), and larger Rainbowfish species, but you are guaranteed to see these fish at their best in a species-only planted aquarium.
Feeding
Can be tricky, particularly when first introduced to new surroundings. The diet should be "size dependent", i.e. tailored to the size of your particular Leaf Fish specimens. Small live or (defrosted) frozen foods are best for younger fish e.g. mosquito larvae, daphnia, brineshrimp etc. Larger specimens will take bigger foodstuffs such as Mysis shrimp and chopped prawns. May eventually take some dried foods, but this should not be relied upon. Warning: Will eat small fish!
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium, although it is being spawned on a commercial basis.
