01/10/2026
🐟 Stripes that are pretty hard to miss!
Meet the Banded Leporinus, Leporinus fasciatus, a striking South American freshwater fish that can reach around 30cm when fully grown, so don’t let their smaller juvenile size fool you!
These are large, active swimmers that need a substantial aquarium with plenty of horizontal swimming space. They prefer temperatures around 20 to 28°C and a pH of roughly 5.0 to 7.5. Wood, roots and other natural cover can be added while still leaving plenty of open space for swimming.
And make sure that lid is secure! These guys are powerful swimmers and known jumpers, so an open topped tank isn’t a great idea.
Banded Leporinus are omnivores, naturally eating a mixture of plant material, algae and small invertebrates. Aquarium plants can sometimes find themselves on the menu too! 🌱👀
Even those brilliant stripes have an interesting story. Their pattern can change as they mature, with additional bands developing as they grow.
They can also be feisty, particularly with their own kind, so tank mates and long term stocking need to be considered carefully.
Big, active, beautifully striped and definitely not one for a small community tank. Could you make room for a Banded Leporinus? 🐟👀
