Gangetic leaffish

Nandus nandus

Pointed snout, large mouth and irregular camouflage patches

The compressed body has an arched back, pointed snout, mottled olive-brown sides and dark rays around the eye. The mouth can extend rapidly during feeding.

Adult length: Up to 20 cm
Water temperature: 22–26 °C
Lifespan: About 8 years
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 6–8 dGH

Natural habitat: Common in still or sluggish lakes, reservoirs and canals, also entering ditches and flooded fields.

Small fish, fry and shrimp are potential prey; stillness and planted cover do not make them safe.

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Appearance and identification

It lacks the lower-lip stalk of Monocirrhus. Nandus nebulosus is generally shorter-snouted, but brown mottling alone cannot identify it.

Social behaviour and territory

Watch feeding and retreat space.

Compatibility limits

Do not keep with small fish or shrimp.

Space requirements

Keep at 22–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5, with little current and planted or wood cover.

Aquarium environment

Plants support camouflage and ambush behaviour but do not protect prey. Keep feeding and leftover removal observable.

Diet and feeding

Provide reliable, suitably sized live foods and confirm they are eaten. It is hard to convert to other foods.

Sources

scialert.net ↗ 2026-10-22

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

en.bdfish.org ↗ 2026-10-22

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22