The Banded Leporinus, also known as the Black-Banded Leporinus, has an exceptional ability to jump great heights making it one of the more unique aquarium species. An interesting feature of this fish is its striking color bands of alternating light yellow and black. Young Banded Leporinus' have five bands while adults have ten.
Roots, rocks, and driftwood make the best decorations for aquariums containing this species. The Banded Leporinus may eat tender plants. An avid jumper, this fish will require a hood on the aquarium. Although the Banded Leporinus may be somewhat aggressive towards its own species, it is usually quite peaceful with other species, though it may nip fins. Avoid smaller species of fish with the Banded Leporinus, as it may eat its tank mates.
Unfortunately, the breeding habits of the Banded Leporinus have not been documented.
As an omnivore, Leporinus fasciatus is not a particular eater. Feed a variety of meaty foods including; brine shrimp, blood worms, beef heart, and include some vegetable matter in flake or sheet form.
Approximate Purchase Size: 2" to 3"
Testimonial By:
Testimonial:
Jimmy H Rock Hill, SC
The Banded Leporinus is a very active and lovely fish to watch. They will, however, eat and uproot your live plants during the night.
Beautiful to look at; however, more aggressive than I originally thought - mine has eaten most of my smaller fish in the tank, including 3 tiger barbs!
I have had the pleasure to watch this fish in my tank for several months now. It is growing quicker than most fish although not as fast as an overfed oscar. I have found it to be primarily social and non-aggressive with the community fish... only becoming territorial when feeding.
Nice fish! I have had two for several years and they are very interesting. They can be kept with medium to large cichlids without too much trouble. They do get big though, so make sure you have a large enough tank.
I've had this guy for about a week and he is very good at surviving. He is the smallest fish in the tank at about 2 inches, and there also are a 10-11 inch long knifefish and a 5-6 inch long bichir. He eats the Hikari Carnivore Pellets though they are about the size of his head. He literally bites one and swims around with it in his mouth while eating more. The only other fish I could get to do this is the bichir, that I bought at about 1 1/2 inches long, which doesn't really bite things but grabs them and thrashes like a crocodile.
I have owned a Banded Leporinus for about a year and a half. In that time he has grown from 2 inches to 6 inches. Great fish but as mentioned are jumpers. I keep mine in a 135 gallon aquarium with Bichirs, Catfish, Cichlids and Silver Dollars. He does great and never picks on anybody.
I have had my fish for about six years now and they are about 12" long. They are very nice fish to have with low maintence. They are very hardy and yes, they are jumpers. I, in fact, put something on the top of my aquarium to hold the door shut. I have experienced one of them jumping up, hitting the door open, and out he went (glad I was home to see that).
