Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: With Caution

General Description: The Black Banded Leporinus is found widely throughout the Amazon region in South America. A relatively easy fish to care for if the proper environment is provided, the Black banded leporinus has an elongated, dart-like body shape with interchanging yellow to pale bands with black bands. Given the adult size potential of this fish, approximately 11″, the Leporinus needs a large aquarium to thrive. One individual per aquarium is best because most tanks in which this species is added to are not spacious enough to avoid quarrels between multiple individuals.

Diet Requirements: In the wild the Black banded leporinus are omnivores, but a greater proportion of their diet should be vegetable based. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable and protein based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp that contains spirulina algae and other mixed freshwater preparations. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. Foods that contain excessive levels of protein should be avoided.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 75 to 90 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small Leporinus. The tank should be upgraded accordingly as it grows. This fish should not be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm) as Leporinus do not like high nitrates and deteriorating water parameters. Equipping the aquarium with a canister filter can also be advantageous to maintain a healthier environment for a Leporinus. Black banded leporinus are relatively indifferent to aquarium decor, but some stacked rocks to create caves, driftwood and other natural looking arrangements and artificial plants will bring out the beauty of this fish. Some unobstructed and open swimming space should also be provided. A sandy or fine substrate several inches deep is preferred and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. Leporinus are compatible with a variety of active medium-sized fishes, so long as tank mates thrive in similar tank conditions and water parameters. Do not mix Leporinus with conspecifics or with overly aggressive and pugnacious cichlid species. Small fish species could be predated on as the Leporinus grows. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 4-12, pH 5.5-7.0.

Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2” to 2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.