Banded Leporinus Care Guide
Leporinus fasciatus is a large yellow-and-black banded headstander from the Amazon basin that becomes increasingly herbivorous and assertive with age.
Overview
Leporinus fasciatus is a large characiform of the family Anostomidae, the headstanders. It is recognised by bold yellow-and-black vertical banding along the elongated body. FishBase gives a maximum length of about 37 cm total length. Adults occur in rocky areas of rapidly flowing water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Anostomidae
- Genus: Leporinus
- Scientific name: Leporinus fasciatus (Bloch, 1794)
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Amazon River basin, where adults inhabit rocky stretches of fast-flowing rivers. It is a benthopelagic freshwater fish of tropical lowland waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.8
- GH: 5-18 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more if kept in numbers
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Provide a long tank with current, rockwork and a secure lid
Diet
FishBase lists worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter among the natural foods. The species becomes increasingly herbivorous with age and will readily eat aquarium plants. In captivity it needs a varied omnivorous diet with a strong vegetable component such as blanched greens, alongside prepared and occasional meaty foods.
Compatibility
Leporinus fasciatus is a semi-aggressive, mid-water fish that tends to harass tankmates as it matures. It requires a spacious tank and robust companions such as large cichlids and plecos. Small fish and live plants are not suitable, and intraspecific aggression can occur.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020).