The Y-Striped Leporinus (Leporinus y-ophorus) is a freshwater ray-finned fish in the Anostomidae family of characin fish. It is also called the Y-Bar Leporinus.

The Y-Striped Leporinus has an elongated body with an upturned mouth. It is cream-coloured with thick black stripes. In front of the dorsal fin is a Y-shaped black stripe. It has a reddish patch underneath its mouth.

Y-Striped Leporinus

It measures 15-60 centimetres (6-23 inches) long.

It is widespread in the Meta River and the Orinoco River in Columbia and Venezuela in South America. It prefers tropical freshwaters, such as rivers and streams, with thick weeds. It particularly likes fast-flowing waters.

It feeds on algae and small aquatic animals along the bottom of the river.

The Y-Striped Leporinus is often seen in pairs. Females lay eggs in the thick weeds. Both parents guard the eggs.

Y-Striped Leporinus

Y-Striped Leporinus

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM