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Spotted leporinus (Leporinus ortomaculatus) — Anostomidae

Spotted leporinus

Leporinus ortomaculatus
Family: Anostomidae

The Spotted leporinus (Leporinus ortomaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Venezuela

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Description

The Spotted leporinus is a headstander characin (Anostomidae) from fresh water of the Orinoco basin in South America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, silvery to yellow-brown body with a row of dark blotches along the flank 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 Spotted leporinus?

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

Where does the Spotted leporinus live?

The Spotted leporinus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Brazil, Venezuela

How big does the Spotted leporinus get?

The Spotted leporinus grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Spotted leporinus dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Spotted leporinus sourced
Scientific name
Leporinus ortomaculatus
Family
Anostomidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.8 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: Brazil, Venezuela 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

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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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