Vintage Boots: Leporinus

Thursday, 16 August 2012

Leporinus

Although a few members of this family are regularly seen for sale in the aquarium market, there is little information available in print about the various Leporinus species. Part of the larger group known collectively as Characins, all Leporinus are members of the smaller Anostomidae family. Anostomaide are predominately herbivores, originating in the swiftly moving rivers of South America. Also in this family are the headstanders, which bare a similar body shape and food preferences.

The name Leporinus is of French origin, meaning "little hare". Close examination of the fish will explain why they were given this name, as they have two prominent front teeth much like a hare.