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Ecuadorian leporinus (Leporinus ecuadorensis) — Anostomidae

Ecuadorian leporinus

Leporinus ecuadorensis
Family: Anostomidae

The Ecuadorian leporinus (Leporinus ecuadorensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Ecuador
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Ecuadorian leporinus is a headstander characin (Anostomidae) from fresh water of the Pacific slope of Ecuador. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, silvery to yellow-brown body with dark crossbars or blotches and a small mouth with prominent incisor teeth. Characteristically it often holds itself at an angle, head down, among water plants and wood and eats algae, water plants, fruit and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ecuadorian leporinus?

The Ecuadorian leporinus has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Ecuadorian leporinus live?

The Ecuadorian leporinus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Ecuador

How big does the Ecuadorian leporinus get?

The Ecuadorian leporinus grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Ecuadorian leporinus dangerous to humans?

No, the Ecuadorian leporinus is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Ecuadorian leporinus edible?

Yes, the Ecuadorian leporinus is commonly eaten.

More photos

Ecuadorian leporinus (Leporinus ecuadorensis) — Anostomidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Ecuadorian leporinus (Leporinus ecuadorensis) — Anostomidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Ecuadorian leporinus (Leporinus ecuadorensis) — Anostomidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Ecuadorian leporinus (Leporinus ecuadorensis) — Anostomidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Ecuadorian leporinus sourced
Scientific name
Leporinus ecuadorensis
Family
Anostomidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Ecuador sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Leporinus

More from the family Anostomidae

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