Pristolepis grootii – Indonesian Leaffish
Pristolepis grootii was first described by Pieter Bleeker in 1852. This fish belongs to the family Pristolepididae, which consists of one genus, Pristolepis. The genus name Pristolepis is derived from the Greek words “pristis” (saw) and “lepis” (scale), which refers to the saw-like scales of the fish. The species name grootii honors the Dutch naturalist and ethnographer Cornelis de Groot van Embden (1817-1896). Their common name is Indonesian Leaffish.
Synonym: Catopra grootii.
Description
General description:
The Red Leaffish has an oval and strongly laterally compressed body. Its color ranges from olive green to darker on the back and lighter towards the belly. They have yellow to orange markings on the head and six to seven irregular, zigzagging and interrupted yellow to greenish stripes along the body. The fins are often orange-red. This fish can reach a length of about 15-20 centimeters.
Differences between males and females:
There are no clear physical differences between males and females described in the available literature. Behavioural differences are also not specifically mentioned.
Behavior and Temperament:
The Indonesian Leaffish is generally peaceful and can live both solitarily and in small groups. They are not particularly shy and usually swim in the midwaters of their habitat.
Biotope
Natural distribution:
The Indonesian Leaffish is native to the rivers and streams of the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Bangka, Belitung, Borneo and Thailand.
Habitat:
These fish live in freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes and swamps. Their natural habitat often has a lot of underwater vegetation and the banks are usually covered with trees. The bottom is usually mud or sand.
Climate:
They live in a tropical climate with seasonal floods and droughts.
Diet
Diet in the wild:
In the wild, the Indonesian Leaffish feeds on small fish and crustaceans.
Diet in the aquarium:
In the aquarium, they can be fed a diet of live food such as small fish, shrimp and insect larvae. They can also be accustomed to high-quality dry food and frozen food.
The Aquarium
Aquarium size:
For one pair of Pristolepis grootii an aquarium of at least 120 centimeters is recommended. For multiple pairs a larger aquarium of at least 200 centimeters is needed.
Decoration:
The aquarium should be decorated with lots of plants and hiding places like rocks and wood. A sand or fine gravel substrate is most suitable.
Water parameters:
The ideal water parameters are a temperature of 24-28°C, a pH of 6.5-7.5 and a hardness of 5-15 dGH.
Compatibility:
This fish species can live well with other peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras and small catfish.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
There are no specific data available on breeding Pristolepis grootii in an aquarium.
Particularities
The Indonesian Leaffish is one of the first freshwater fish species recorded in Western Indonesia and Sulawesi. They have a unique tooth structure with enlarged basibranchial tooth plates that help in grinding food.
Conclusion
The Indonesian Leaffish is an interesting and relatively peaceful fish species that is suitable for advanced aquarists. They require a well-equipped aquarium with sufficient hiding places and a varied diet.
Video
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Nonn Panitvong – siamensis.org