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Clown-spotted leporinus

Leporinus nijsseni

Also known as Nijssen's leporinus

FreshwaterFish

Clown-spotted leporinus (Leporinus nijsseni)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–81°F
22–27°C
pH
5.5–7.5
Adult size
6.7 in
17 cm
Minimum tank
70 gal
265 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Anostomidae
Origin
Suriname and French Guiana rivers

Overview

The clown-spotted leporinus is an active, mid-sized characin that spends much of its day working the substrate and lower water for food. It suits a keeper with a little experience.

Did you know

The clown-spotted leporinus is named for Han Nijssen, a Dutch ichthyologist. He spent much of his career cataloging the freshwater fishes of Suriname and the wider Guianas, the same rivers this fish comes from.

Caring for the clown-spotted leporinus

Allow a clown-spotted leporinus at least 70 gal (265 L), and fit a tight lid, as leporinus jump. Give it an open sandy floor with a few smooth rocks and some driftwood. It is a confirmed plant grazer, so expect any soft plants to be sampled.

Keep the water clean and rich in oxygen, with moderate flow. Aim for 72 to 81°F (22 to 27°C) and soft, acidic to neutral water at a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Feed a varied diet of sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen foods and vegetables such as blanched zucchini.

This leporinus does fine on its own or in a group, but it can be pushy with its own kind. It nips at slow, long-finned fish, so give it space and keep it with robust community fish. Treat delicate species with caution. Aquarium breeding is not recorded.

Good to know

The clown-spotted leporinus is a member of the headstander family Anostomidae, described in 1990. Its rounded black spots, each ringed with pale yellow, give it the clown name. It is also called Nijssen's leporinus.

In the wild

The clown-spotted leporinus lives in the clear to lightly stained coastal rivers of Suriname and French Guiana. It stays over sand and among wood and stone.

Common questions

What size tank does a clown-spotted leporinus need?

A clown-spotted leporinus needs at least 70 gal (265 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a clown-spotted leporinus need?

A clown-spotted leporinus is comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.5.

What does a clown-spotted leporinus eat?

A clown-spotted leporinus eats a varied diet of sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen foods and vegetables such as blanched zucchini. It will also graze on soft plants.

How big does a clown-spotted leporinus get?

An adult clown-spotted leporinus reaches about 6.7 in (17 cm).

Related species