Leaf Fish
Taenianotus sp.
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 4 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
Leaf Fish (Taenianotus sp.) are compact, leaf-shaped scorpionfish that rely on camouflage rather than open swimming. Their tall “sail” dorsal fin and compressed body give them a drifting-leaf profile, and specimens can show a range of colors that blend into reef rock, coral branches, and sandy areas.
What You’ll Observe:
- Long pauses perched on rock ledges, coral branches, or the sand while it “poses” in place
- A gentle swaying motion in the current that helps it stay camouflaged
- Short “hops” and careful repositioning using the pectoral fins instead of long swims
- Fast, decisive feeding strikes when food is placed within range
To succeed with a Leaf Fish, provide a calm aquascape with stable perches and a small open sand zone next to rockwork so it can choose its favorite ambush spots. Offer appropriately sized meaty foods by target-feeding (tongs, a feeding stick, or a small syringe-style feeder all work well) so it can eat without rushing. With a consistent routine, it settles into a predictable “perch and hunt” pattern that’s easy to enjoy day to day.
How do I make sure it gets food when other fish rush the feeding?
Use target-feeding so the food lands right in front of the Leaf Fish, or feed it first at its perch before broadcast-feeding the rest of the tank.
Can a Leaf Fish be trained to eat frozen foods?
Many keepers start by offering frozen items directly at the fish with a feeder tool, repeating the same motion each time until it associates the tool with food.
Is it normal for it to “walk” or hop instead of swim?
Yes—Leaf Fish often move by bracing and hopping with their pectoral fins, then settling back onto a perch.
Can I keep two Leaf Fish together?
Some hobbyists keep pairs successfully when they’re introduced together and the tank has multiple perching zones so each fish can claim its own space.
Will it damage corals if it perches on them?
It typically uses corals and rock as resting structure rather than picking at polyps; securing frags and giving it alternate perches helps keep placements stable.
Our selection process means you get robust, well-adjusted specimens that settle in quickly.
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