Black Banded Leporinus (Leporinus fasciatus)
A bold, strikingly patterned fish with strong personality and active swimming behavior.
The Black Banded Leporinus is a distinctive South American species known for its bright yellow-gold body crossed by thick black vertical bands. Active and intelligent, this fish adds instant visual impact to large aquariums. It’s an excellent swimmer that prefers plenty of open space and strong current, making it ideal for well-oxygenated setups. Though peaceful when young, adults can become territorial, so it’s best housed with similarly sized, robust tankmates.
Need to Know:
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Recommended For: Large community and semi-aggressive aquariums
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Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
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Water Parameters: pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 72–82°F, hardness 3–8 dGH
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Feeding: Omnivorous; accepts flake, pellet, and live foods
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | South America |
| Adult Size | 4–6 inches |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Compatibility | Best with active, similarly sized fish |
FAQ
What is the minimum tank size recommended for Black Banded Leporinus?
The minimum tank size recommended is 100 gallons.
Is the Black Banded Leporinus suitable for community tanks?
It is best suited for large community and semi-aggressive aquariums, but adults can become territorial and should be housed with similarly sized, robust tankmates.
What kind of water conditions does it prefer?
Prefers water with pH between 6.0 and 7.5, temperature between 72–82°F, and hardness of 3–8 dGH.
Carl Peters –
The Black Banded Leporinus is a stunning addition to my 150-gallon tank. Its bright yellow-gold body with bold black bands makes it a visual highlight. It swims actively and enjoys the current. I’ve had it for six months and it’s still very lively. Just make sure to keep it with active, compatible fish.
Deirdre Miller –
Great fish for a large aquarium. It’s very active and adds a lot of energy. I noticed it became a bit territorial after six months, so I added a few larger, calm fish to help balance the tank. Overall, a rewarding species to keep.
Bella Johnston –
The fish arrived healthy and was immediately active in the tank. Its appearance is striking and it swims freely throughout the water column. I appreciate how it enhances the visual appeal of the setup. Only recommend for experienced aquarists with large tanks.