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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
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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.

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.

Is the Ecuadorian leporinus edible?

Yes, the Ecuadorian leporinus is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Ecuadoraanse leporinus sourced
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
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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