Banded Leporinus, also known as Black-banded Leporinus, is a fish with the scientific name Leporinus fasciatus.
It belongs to the Anostomidae family and is known for its yellow body, black stripes, and orange markings on its head and tail fin.
This tropical freshwater fish lives in fast-flowing rivers and flooded forests. It eats plants as well as other fish, worms, and crustaceans.
Banded Leporinus fish are not typically used for food but are popular in the aquarium trade.
When kept as pets, they can eat algae, plant materials, flake food, worms, insects, and small crustaceans.
Their tanks should have strong covers as they may jump if startled.
This hardy species can be housed with other fish in an aquarium with plenty of rocks for them to hide among.
Banded Leporinus Interesting Facts
- Banded Leporinus (Leporinus fasciatus) is known for its yellow body, black stripes, and orange markings.
- Originally from the Amazon Basin, they have also been found in Florida and Hawaii due to accidental aquarium releases.
- These tropical freshwater fish eat plants, other fish, worms, and crustaceans.
- Breeding occurs between December to May in densely grown areas filled with aquatic plants; females tend to be larger than males at sexual maturity.
Banded Leporinus Habitat
Banded Leporinus is tropical fish originally from South America’s Amazon Basin.
However, it has also been found in Florida and Hawaii, likely due to accidental aquarium releases. However, there haven’t been any recent sightings in Hawaii.
Banded Leporinus lives in freshwater and swims near the bottom (benthopelagic).
It likes water with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5, a hardness (dH) range of 2 to 20, and temperatures between 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | 5.5 to 7.5 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 2 to 20 dH |
Banded Leporinus Physical Characteristics
Size: 14.96 inches (37.0 centimeters)
Banded Leporinus grows up to 14.96 inches (37.0 centimeters) long, but usually matures around 6 inches.
Adult females tend to be larger than males when they reach maturity.
Banded Leporinus Reproduction
Banded Leporinus breeds between December to May. This fish lays eggs (oviparous) and forms distinct breeding pairs.
The Banded Leporinus pair prefers to breed in areas with dense aquatic plants. Males usually remain near the nests for protection.
Banded Leporinus Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Anostomidae |
| Genus: | Leporinus |
| Scientific Name: | Leporinus fasciatus |
| Also Known As: | Banded Leporinus, Black-banded Leporinus |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |