Polycentridae

Taxobox
name = Leaffish

---

image_width = 240px
image_caption = "Monocirrhus polyacanthus"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Perciformes
familia = Polycentridae
subdivision_ranks = Genera and species
subdivision = See text.

Leaffishes are small freshwater fishes of the Polycentridae family, from South America.

They usually have large heads, cryptic colors and very large protractile mouths. Those features, along with their peculiar movements help them to catch fairly large prey for the size of their bodies, including small fish, aquatic insects and other invertebrates.

Their odd leaf-like appearance make them interesting fishes for aquarium hobbyists.

Genera and species

* Genus "Monocirrhus
** "Monocirrhus polyacanthus" Heckel, 1840
* Genus "Polycentrus
** "Polycentrus schomburgkii" Müller & Troschel, 1849

Taxonomic note

"Polycentrus schomburgkii" was formerly included in the Nandidae family, leaf fish of Southern Asia.

ee also

* List of fish families

References

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