Threespot Leporinus

Leporinus friderici

Threespot Leporinus is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextIntermediate – Advanced

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 15.7" (≤ 40 cm)
Aquarium size: 514 US gal (1944 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 5–8
GH: 2–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 514 US gal (1944 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 5–8, GH 2–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Threespot Leporinus is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Threespot Leporinus should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Benthic foraging omnivore; include algae/vegetation and invertebrate-type food, avoid excessive high-protein foods.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 514 US gal (1944 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Apollo’s Leporinus Leporinus apollo Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.3" (≤ 13.4 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Black Banded Leporinus Leporinus fasciatus Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 10.6" (≤ 27 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Blackberry Silver Dollar Myloplus schomburgkii Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 15.7" (≤ 40 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) African Spottail Tetra Brachypetersius altus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C)

FAQ

How large does Threespot Leporinus get?

Threespot Leporinus reaches ≤ 15.7" (≤ 40 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Threespot Leporinus need?

Use an aquarium of at least 514 US gal (1944 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length.

Is Threespot Leporinus peaceful?

Yes. Threespot Leporinus is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Threespot Leporinus?

Keep it between 20 to 28 °C.

Should Threespot Leporinus be kept alone or in a group?

Threespot Leporinus: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.