Home · Anostomidae · Sicklefin leporinus
Sicklefin leporinus (Leporinus falcipinnis) — Anostomidae

Sicklefin leporinus

Leporinus falcipinnis
Family: Anostomidae

The Sicklefin leporinus (Leporinus falcipinnis) is a fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Sicklefin leporinus is a headstander (Anostomidae) from rivers and floodplains of the Amazon and Orinoco basin in South America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with dark bands or a longitudinal stripe and a small, protruding mouth. Characteristically it often swims at an angle with the head down, picking algae, biofilm, insect larvae, fruit and plant matter from among stones, roots and plants. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sicklefin leporinus?

The Sicklefin leporinus is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Sicklefin leporinus live?

The Sicklefin leporinus is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Sicklefin leporinus get?

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

Is the Sicklefin leporinus dangerous to humans?

No, the Sicklefin leporinus is harmless to humans.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sikkelvin-kopstaander sourced
English name
Sicklefin leporinus sourced
Scientific name
Leporinus falcipinnis
Family
Anostomidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
25 inferred
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →