The Banded Leporinus (Leporinus fasciatus) is a freshwater ray-finned fish in the Anostomidae family of characid fish with toothed jaws and an adipose fin (second dorsal fin).
The Banded Leporinus has an elongated body with an upturned mouth. It is cream-coloured with 8-12 thick, black, vertical stripes on its body. It has a reddish patch underneath its mouth, and sometimes on its head and tail.
It measures about 15-30 centimetres (6-12 inches) long. The female is slightly larger than the male.
It is native to the Amazon Basin in South America. It prefers tropical freshwaters, such as rivers and streams, with thick weeds. It particularly likes fast-flowing waters.
It is omnivorous, feeding on algae and small aquatic animals along the bottom of the river, such as worms and crabs.
The Banded Leporinus is often seen in pairs. The female lay eggs in the thick weeds. Both parents guard the eggs.
Location of photographs: Aquarium de Paris-Cinéaqua, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM