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Spotted leporinus (Leporinus maculatus) — Anostomidae

Spotted leporinus

Leporinus maculatus
Family: Anostomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Spotted leporinus (Leporinus maculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The spotted leporinus is a characiform (Anostomidae) from northern South America. The species has an elongate, yellowish body with a row of dark spots on the flank; like other headstanders it often holds itself obliquely with the head down. It inhabits creeks with swift flow over sand and rock bottoms. As an omnivore it feeds on invertebrates, plant matter and growth. It lives in pairs or small groups. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted leporinus?

The Spotted leporinus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Spotted leporinus live?

The Spotted leporinus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Spotted leporinus get?

The Spotted leporinus grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Spotted leporinus dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted leporinus is harmless to humans.

Is the Spotted leporinus edible?

The Spotted leporinus is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gevlekte kopstaander sourced
English name
Spotted leporinus verified
Scientific name
Leporinus maculatus
Family
Anostomidae
Other names
Spotted leporinus verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

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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