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Banded Leporinus
Leporinus fasciatus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characiformes›Anostomidae
📍 Amazon & Orinoco Basins, South America
Striking black-and-yellow banded fish that swims head-down at an angle. A nimble fin-nipper that demands strong, fast-flowing water. Bold and active — needs space and robust tankmates.
Care Guide
Diet
Banded Leporinus are omnivores with a strong herbivorous tendency. Feed high-quality vegetable-based pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber), and occasional protein sources like bloodworms or brine shrimp once daily. They will nibble live plants, so provide hardy, unpalatable species or supplement with dedicated vegetable matter.
Behavior
Highly active and bold swimmers that characteristically hold a head-down, angled posture while navigating the tank. They are semi-aggressive fin-nippers, especially toward smaller fish and those with flowing fins, and require strong water flow to thrive. These fish are social with their own kind but demand ample space and robust tankmates that can withstand occasional aggression.
Breeding
Breeding Banded Leporinus in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require large tanks, specific water conditions, and seasonal triggers that are hard to replicate. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-caught, and successful breeding is primarily documented only in specialized breeding facilities.
Tank Mates
Similar size, robust temperament, and comparable water requirements make them suitable companions
Fast-moving, hardy fish that can tolerate semi-aggressive behavior and prefer strong water flow
Active, large enough to avoid predation, and thrives in high-flow environments similar to Leporinus
Nocturnal and bottom-dwelling, reducing direct competition, but monitor for territorial disputes
Large and semi-aggressive; can coexist but requires careful monitoring and ample space
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, flashing against objects, rapid breathing, lethargy
Raise water temperature to 28-30°C, perform frequent water changes, and use ich-specific medication; maintain excellent water quality and strong aeration
Fin Rot
Fraying or deterioration of fin edges, discoloration, fin loss in severe cases
Improve water quality through frequent changes, reduce aggression by providing more space, and treat with antibacterial medication if secondary infection occurs
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, red streaks on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Perform large water changes, maintain pristine tank conditions, isolate if possible, and treat with broad-spectrum antibacterial medication
Nutritional Deficiency
Faded coloration, stunted growth, lethargy, loss of appetite
Provide varied diet with quality pellets, fresh vegetables, and occasional protein; ensure adequate vitamin supplementation and balanced nutrition
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- diet
- herbivore/omnivore
- maxSize
- 12 inches
- minTankSize
- 55 gallons
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C