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13132573. Amazon leaffish, Monocirrhus polyacanthus, eating a small fish

13132573. Amazon leaffish, Monocirrhus polyacanthus, eating a small fish


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13132573. Amazon leaffish, Monocirrhus polyacanthus, eating a small fish

Amazon leaffish, Monocirrhus polyacanthus, eating a small fish. 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. From Amazonas river Date

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Nature's Master of Disguise - The Amazon Leaffish - A Sneaky Leaf in Fish Form!

EDITORS COMMENTS
. In this photo print, we witness the incredible camouflage skills of the Amazon leaffish, also known as Monocirrhus polyacanthus. Found in the lush depths of the Amazon basin, this crafty creature perfectly mimics a dead leaf to deceive its prey. With its flattened body and a filament at the tip of its lower jaw resembling a stalk, it's no wonder why this fish is often mistaken for an ordinary leaf. Its gray-brown color can even change to match its surroundings! No lateral line and a large mouth that can extend up to 60% of its head length make it an expert hunter. As if straight out of a spy movie, our leaffish swims ever so slowly in a head-down position, flawlessly imitating a lifeless leaf drifting along with the current. When close enough to strike, it protracts its mouth into a tube-like shape and swiftly sucks in unsuspecting prey - usually head-first! This remarkable species thrives amidst plant debris in slow-moving or stagnant waters along river edges and lakeshores. Its stomach is like Mary Poppins' bag; folded cleverly to accommodate relatively large items devoured during mealtime. So next time you're exploring South America's tropical wonders or simply admiring aquatic fauna from your cozy aquarium corner, keep an eye out for this masterful illusionist – nature's very own undercover agent disguised as. . . a humble leaf!

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