Predators | 水產百科網

SouthAmericanleaffishbelongtothetinyfamilyPolycentridae.ThegenusMonocirrhussharesthisfamilywithitsrelativegenusPolycentrus,typifiedbythe​ ...

Nathan Hill identifies a masquerading predator that really is like no other hunter. Meet the master of camouflage.

Evolution is a wonderful thing, throwing up a diversity of life that evades even the mind of the most creative sci-fi author. Monocirrhus polyacanthus is as alien as anything that might turn up on Mars.

For fans of predatory fish, these South American leaf mimics pose a not inconsiderable challenge. They are tricky to feed, demand impeccable water and spend much time invisible among foliage. However, seeing them behaving naturally in an aquarium is a reward justifying all your work. What’s more, they sport brilliant goatee beards!

South American leaf fish belong to the tiny family Polycentridae. The genus Monocirrhus sh...