Amazon leaffish vs Lesser spiny eel: can they live together?

Verdict: Not recommended

  • The Lesser spiny eel is aggressive towards other fish.
  • The Amazon leaffish is best kept in a species tank.
  • The Amazon leaffish can be semi-aggressive or nip fins.
  • An adult Lesser spiny eel is about 4 times the length of a Amazon leaffish and may eat it.
  • Both are comfortable at 22–26°C (72–79°F).
  • A pH of 6.5 suits both.

Side by side

Amazon leaffishLesser spiny eel
Adult size10 cm (3.9 in)38 cm (15 in)
Minimum tank75 L (20 US gal)115 L (30 US gal)
Temperature22–26°C (72–79°F)20–28°C (68–82°F)
pH6.0–6.56.5–7.5
Hardness5–8 dGH (89–143 ppm)6–35 dGH (107–625 ppm)
TemperamentSemi-aggressiveAggressive
Community tankNot suitableGood
Care levelDifficultEasy
DietCarnivoreOmnivore

Species profiles