TankBud

Saddlespot leporinus

Leporinus maculatus

Also known as Saddle-spotted leporinus

FreshwaterFish

Saddlespot leporinus (Leporinus maculatus)
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
7.1 in
18 cm
Minimum tank
70 gal
265 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Anostomidae
Origin
Coastal rivers of the Guianas

Overview

The saddlespot leporinus is a hardy, active characin that patrols the lower and middle water. It tips head-down to pick at wood and stone, and it is best with a little experience.

Did you know

The saddlespot leporinus is one of the oldest-named fish in its genus still kept in the hobby. Muller and Troschel described it in 1844, well before most of its relatives were known to science.

Caring for the saddlespot leporinus

Give a saddlespot leporinus at least 70 gal (265 L), with a sandy floor, driftwood and smooth stones. Fit a tight lid, since leporinus are strong jumpers. It is a known plant grazer, so use tough decor rather than soft plants.

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

This leporinus does fine alone or in a group. It can nip fins, so keep it with robust tank mates and treat small or delicate fish with caution. Aquarium breeding is not recorded.

Good to know

The saddlespot leporinus is a member of the headstander family Anostomidae, also called the saddle-spotted leporinus. Bold dark saddle blotches cross its back and fade toward the belly.

In the wild

The saddlespot leporinus lives in the coastal rivers of the Guianas, over sand and around wood and rock. It holds station where flowing and slack water meet.

Common questions

What size tank does a saddlespot leporinus need?

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

What temperature and pH does a saddlespot leporinus need?

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

What does a saddlespot leporinus eat?

A saddlespot leporinus is an omnivore. Feed it sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables and frozen foods, and expect it to graze soft plants.

How big does a saddlespot leporinus get?

An adult saddlespot leporinus reaches about 7.1 in (18 cm).

Related species