Leporinus

[daisycat]

Anyone here got a black banded leporinus? We saw one in LFS display tank the other day and were really taken with it. Anyone have any tips on keeping this fish (is it ok alone or should it be in multiples?). Also, will it be compatible with our other fish (see sig).

Looking at internet resources it looks like a single one will fit well into our tank but I would like to hear any personal experiences before we go ahead and get one.

 

[ryan]

Here some info;

http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=34589

They are an aggressive species that can cause some serious damage.

 

[daisycat]

Thanks Ryan, I think that is a copy/adaptation of something else I already read on the net. Some of the other online sources actually said they were quite peaceful fish towards other species and only aggressive within their own kind, so I am a bit confused as to the truth!

In terms of tank size, diet, water params etc it would fit the bill well, but...In terms of the aggression I would be interested to hear some personal experiences as I don't want it to upset the other fish...

 

[daisycat]

Here is a directly contradictory quote from another article about them... (it's so hard to research when there is little agreement!!!).


leporinus info
"Tolerant of other fish, most live in schools but are known to quarrel among themselves from time to time. This is particularly true when kept in small groups rather than large schools."

 

[ryan]

Well I don't think its an adaption as its by CFC himself who wrote the fish index rules. I also know his pair are quite aggressive and have killed a pair of FW barracudas.

 

[CFC]

Its certainly not a copy!!!! That profile was written by me from personal experience with the fish, the picture attached is of one of mine .

Leporinus are not as aggressive as cichlids or other known aggressive fish but can be extremely nasty whan they want to be, one of mine didnt even hesitate to kill two freshwater baracuda and a dwarf pike cichlid that it decided it didnt like anymore and many of the other fish in the tank will have torn fins and missing scales from run ins with a grumpy leporinus.
They are best kept with similar sized fish that can defend themselves, cichlids, medium/large catfish and other large characins make the best tankmates, small fish may be eaten as they are not as vegetarian as most information will lead you to believe.

 

[daisycat]

Not insinuating you're a plagiarist CFC! Just meant that I had tried to read as much as possible already and I had already got most of that info, just wanted the personal touch if you like...

Anyhow, it's a bit worrying to think of them eating my poor corys! I am sure the pangasius etc will hold their own as they are pretty big, although skittish so I don't want something that will worry and hassle them.

Any other ideas for something similarly pretty but not so aggressive - I want something nicely coloured really as all the catfish are rather grey or brownish!? Also, would prefer something of a decent size/that grows to a decent size...

 

[CFC]

What about one of the Geophagus or Satanoperca species of cichlids? Most reach a good size and are very peaceful.

Satanoperca jurapari

 

[daisycat]

That looks nice but we keep our tank at 81F because of the turtle so I fear it may be a bit warm for that fish.

It's so hard trying to pick/find something a bit unusual that will fit with everything else as there are just sooooo many fish to sift through and choose from.