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13132576. Amazon leaffish, Monocirrhus polyacanthus, swimming alongside a dead leaf
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13132576. Amazon leaffish, Monocirrhus polyacanthus, swimming alongside a dead leaf
Amazon leaffish, Monocirrhus polyacanthus, swimming alongside a dead leaf. It is found in the Amazon basin in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, where it inhabits edges of rivers and lakes, and streams. It lives in slow-moving or essentially stagnant waters in areas with plant debris. As suggested by its common name, it closely resembles a dead leaf. The flattened body and filament at the tip of the lower jaw (resembling a stalk) further enhances its similarity to a leaf. It is gray-brown, but can change its color to some extent. There is no lateral line and its large mouth can be protracted to as much as 60% of the head length. It swims very slowly in a head-down position, resembling a dead leaf floating in the current, to approach its prey. When near, it protracts its mouth to form a tube. The prey is rapidly sucked in, usually head-first. Prey in its stomach is often folded, allowing the leaf fish to fit relatively large items. Copy space. From Amazonas river Date
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This print captures the mesmerizing beauty of the Amazon leaffish, scientifically known as Monocirrhus polyacanthus. Found in the lush Amazon basin spanning Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela, this unique creature thrives along the edges of rivers, lakes, and streams. Its preferred habitat consists of slow-moving or stagnant waters adorned with plant debris. True to its name, the Amazon leaffish bears an uncanny resemblance to a lifeless leaf. Its body is flattened and its lower jaw features a filament that resembles a stalk. The fish's gray-brown coloration can also change subtly to blend into its surroundings. Lacking a lateral line commonly found in other fish species, it possesses an exceptionally large mouth that can extend up to 60% of its head length. Intriguingly slow in movement and often assuming a head-down position while swimming, this remarkable creature mimics a drifting dead leaf carried by gentle currents. This clever disguise allows it to stealthily approach unsuspecting prey. When near enough for capture, the leaffish protracts its mouth into a tube-like shape before swiftly sucking in its prey – usually swallowing them head-first. The stomach of this deceptive predator is designed to accommodate relatively large items by folding them neatly within itself. Such adaptations enable the Amazon leaffish to consume substantial meals without compromising its ability to resemble an ordinary leaf floating downstream. Photographed against a serene backdrop provided by the mighty Amazonas river on March 30th, 2020; this image offers viewers an intimate glimpse into one of nature's most extraordinary camouflage artists – reminding us once again of how diverse and awe-inspiring our planet truly is.
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