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Banded leporinus (Leporinus desmotes) — Anostomidae

Banded leporinus

Leporinus desmotes
Family: Anostomidae

The Banded leporinus (Leporinus desmotes) is a freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The banded leporinus is a characin freshwater fish from northern South America, in the Orinoco and Amazon region. The species grows to about 22 cm and has an elongate, yellowish body with striking, broad black crossbars. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it lives in flowing rivers and eats plant material, algae, insects and small invertebrates. It is an active swimmer and jumper. The fish is harmless to humans and is also known in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Banded leporinus?

The Banded leporinus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Banded leporinus live?

The Banded leporinus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Banded leporinus get?

The Banded leporinus grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Banded leporinus dangerous to humans?

No, the Banded leporinus is harmless to humans.

Is the Banded leporinus edible?

Yes, the Banded leporinus is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gebande leporinus verified
English name
Banded leporinus verified
Scientific name
Leporinus desmotes
Family
Anostomidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Hengelsport sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

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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