African Leaffish

Diagnosis: 6-7 scale rows on cheeks; lateral line incomplete; caudal peduncle very short; caudal fin truncate (Ref. 57397). Usually a pored lateral line is lacking, but if present, only 4-6 scales of dorsally curving series pored; 16 principal caudal rays with 1 procurrent ray on each lobe; 1st pelvic ray with anterior and posterior branches projecting a little beyond fin membrane; caudal peduncle conspicuously short; 10 abdominal and 13 caudal vertebrae; 3 predorsal bones (supraneurals) in front of 1st dorsal pterygiophore (Ref. 81649).Coloration: dull brown; head and sides with irregular dark brown/black spots sometimes forming a marbled pattern (Ref. 57397; 81649). Dark band from anterior base of dorsal fin through eye to snout tip; second dark band from ventrocaudal margin of eye ventrocaudally over cheek to ventral side of body anterior to pelvic fin base; distal parts of soft dorsal and anal fin, caudal and pectoral fins transparent; pelvics and spinous part and base of soft dorsal and anal fins brown (Ref. 81649). Fins seeming rayless when viewed form certain angles (Ref. 57397).

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Anal spines: 9 - 12; Analsoft rays: 8 - 9; Vertebrae: 23

Occurs in rainforest areas (Ref. 6801). Maximum reported TL was 8.0 cm (Ref. 6801).

fisheries: ; aquarium: commercial

the African leaffish (Polycentropsis abbreviata) is a species of African leaffish native to fresh waters of western Africa. Although placed in the family Nandidae by FishBase and by the 5th Edition of Fishes of the World many recent authorities place Polycentropsis in Polycentridae.

This species grows to a length of 8 centimetres (3.1 in) TL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade. This species is the only known member of its genus.