Banded leporinus

Appearance

A torpedo-shaped freshwater fish, banded leporinus (also known as many banded leporinus) are yellow and marked with nine thick, black vertical stripes when mature. Young banded leporinus may have fewer stripes, which will split as they grow. There are no visible differences between the sexes.
This species can reach 9.8 inches (25 centimeters) in length. There is no difference in appearance between males and females.

Leporinus fasciatus and Leporinus affinis are two similar appearing species. L. fasciatus usually has ten stripes where L. affinis has one less. It sometimes is confusing trying to count stripes alone as many of the stripes are in a state of splitting into two. What I find most noticeable is that on L. affinis the silvery area between the stripes appears much wider and the stripes are more often grey than black.

Naming

Also known as Headstander.
The family is also called anostomids, which is a derivation of Ancient Greek origin words, 'ano' meaning 'up' and 'stoma' meaning 'mouth.' This refers to their 'mouth on top' arrangement.

Distribution

Native fromBrazil, Colombia and Venezuela, Amazon basin. The species has been introduced into the waters of the United States in Hawaii and Florida.

Status

The population status of this fish has not been evaluated by IUCN.

Behavior

Banded leporinus travel in schools.
Leporinus affinis is a peaceful fish to other species but to species of their own kind he is rapacious now and then.

Habitat

Banded leporinus are primarily found in the fast-flowing creeks and streams of the Amazon River basin. Adults will seek shelter in sand holes in this environment. The fish can most often be found in the benthic layer of the water column, closest to the bottom of the river.

Reproduction

Breeding occurs in areas with dense submerged aquatic vegetation. Banded leporinus are an oviparous, or egg laying, species.

Food

Primarily herbivorous, banded leporinus will feed on plants, fruits and leaves.

Predators

They are an important food source in their ecosystem, and evidence shows that they are sometimes preyed upon by piranhas. Banded leporinus have been observed jumping.