Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
General Description: The Yellow Leaf Scorpionfish are native to the Indo-Pacific. While this item is for the yellow color form, Leaf fish come in an array of other colors including brown, orange, black, pink and mottled. Leaf fish are not only named after their unique body shape, but also their behavior in which they make intentional swaying movements to appear like a piece of leaf litter stirred by water currents. Given this camouflage, unsuspecting small fish or crustaceans that pass the Leaf fish are consumed with ease. Leaf fish are typically solitary, so only one per aquarium is recommended. An adult Leaf fish can reach a size of approximately 4″. Leaf fish, and scorpionfish in general, are sensitive to copper based medications. Caution: Leaf fish have a series of venomous spines on their dorsal fin that are used in defense. If stung, the sensation is similar to a bee sting but more potent. Remove any part of the spine from the affected area (if applicable) and put the wound underneath the hottest water you can tolerate (not scalding) for 15 – 20 minutes; this breaks down the venom proteins. Then seek the appropriate medical attention. For those that are sensitive to stings, seek medical attention immediately.
Diet Requirements: Leaf fish are carnivores. In most cases, Leaf fish need to be offered live food as a precursor to frozen foods. We recommend giving live ghost shrimp a high quality flake food before feeding them to a Leaf fish so that they have greater nutritional value. Use a pair of tongs to hold the prey in front of the Leaf fish so that it begins to associate the tongs with feeding. Some Leaf fish may turn away or be startled at first, but consistency is key. Once your Leaf fish is interested in frozen foods, appropriate options will vary depending on the size of the individual. Examples include brine shrimp, squid, mysis shrimp, krill, and chopped fish to maintain optimal health and coloration. Because Leaf fish don’t actively swim throughout the day in the water column, they can be target fed every other day or every two days. Note: While we strive to offer Leaf fish that are eating strictly frozen foods, or a combination of frozen foods and live foods, it is not uncommon for them to revert back to only accepting live foods for a period of time due to the stress of a new environment.
Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for smaller specimens; a larger individual may be more comfortable in 55 gallons or greater. This species cannot be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters in good condition (Nitrates < 20 ppm). Such conditions are particularly important for when the Leaf fish molts its skin, usually every 10 to 14 days. Leaf fish appreciate some live rock in the aquarium, especially outcroppings and ledges to perch on. Leaf fish will consume invertebrates and fish small enough to fit in their mouths, making them unsuitable for reef aquariums or small aquariums that may contain such fish species. Leaf fish are not overly aggressive and therefore should not be kept with such tank mates, especially those that can outcompete it in food resources because their feeding strategy is quite slow. A more laid back aquarium is ideal, so long that tank-mates are chosen accordingly (i.e., cannot be eaten). Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 1″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3″; Large: 3″ to 4″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
