Care
The Banded Leporinus has a wide distribution throughout the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, and is known from rocky areas with rapidly flowing waters. Adults congregate in sizeable shoals and may be observed feeding on crustaceans, insects, plant matter, and worms. These fish attain a large size and require a very spacious aquarium that measures at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft (and preferably larger). Juveniles, which sport fewer vertical black stripes than the adults, grow very quickly and should be given space from the outset in order to prevent stunting and associated health problems. The aquarium should be mature and aquascaped with a sand or small-grained, smooth gravel substrate, plenty of sturdy pieces of driftwood and an open swimming space along the front of the tank. Plants are not necessary, but will make the aquarium more aesthetically pleasing; however, as these fish will devour plants, it is essential to choose robust species such as
Anubias spp. and Java Fern (
Microsorum) that can be tied onto the decor. Of greater importance is the use of powerful filtration (ideally provided by external canisters) and a high level of oxygenation, perhaps provided by spray-bar returns situated above the water line and/or additional powerheads. High water quality is essential for this river-dwelling species, so partial water changes should be carried out on a very regular basis in order to keep nitrogenous waste to a minimum. Sturdy, tight fitting coverslides are requisite, as these fish are accomplished jumpers. Although gregarious in the wild, Banded Leporinus can be rather quarrelsome when maintained in small groups in aquaria. For this reason, it is necessary to keep either a single specimen, or a group of at least 8 individuals together (introduced simultaneously), as then any belligerent behaviour will be spread throughout the shoal, and no one fish will bear the continual brunt of any aggression. Tankmates could include medium-large sized peaceful cichlids (particularly rheophilic species), large characins, talking catfish (doradids) and suckermouth catfish (loricariids). Small fish will be eaten, so choose tankmates with care. Banded Leporinus are classified within the Family Anostomidae (headstanders), of which there are currently some 156 described species within 14 genera. Many species from this family swim at an oblique or head-down angle, hence the common family name of headstander. Banded Leporinus may exhibit slightly different colour and pattern depending on collection location within its vast natural range. May also be seen on sale as Eight Banded Leporinus or Striped Leporinus.
Feeding
Omnivorous. Offer a variety of dried (flake, green flake, pellets etc) and frozen foods including white mosquito larvae, bloodworm (sparingly), vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp etc, plus some greenfoods.
Breeding
The Banded Leporinus has not been bred in the home aquarium. In the wild, these fish form distinct pairs, and from December-May they migrate into flooded forests where they spawn amongst dense aquatic vegetation. Banded Leporinus reach sexual maturity at around 15cm (5.9") in length.
