Threespot Leporinus

Leporinus friderici

Threespot Leporinus is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 15.7" (≤ 40 cm)
Aquarium size
396 US gal (1500 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length
Care level
Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature
73–79°F (23–26°C)
pH
5–8
GH
5–20 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 396 US gal (1500 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–26 °C, pH 5–8, GH 5–20 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.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 396 US gal (1500 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

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 ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Black Banded Leporinus Leporinus fasciatus Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°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 Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°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 ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°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 396 US gal (1500 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 23 to 26 °C.

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