Strawberry Leporinus (Leporinus sp. Strawberry)

The Strawberry Leporinus (Leporinus granti) is a rare and hardy species that can become a captivating addition to any aquarium. It's somewhat active but also shy and retiring nature and striking appearance will delight both owners and casual observers of this beautiful fish. Though one of the smaller species of Leporinus found in the fishkeeping hobby, these fish are still quite large and robust; therefore, they need to be housed in a suitably sized aquarium with plenty of hiding spaces. Although typically serene with similarly sized fish, adult Strawberry Leporinus can occasionally display territorial instincts towards each other. However, from our observations, they seem to thrive in the presence of their own species. Instead of aggressive confrontations, they engage in a gentle form of sparring. This unique behavior involves swimming side by side and rubbing against each other as a way of sizing each other up. This gentle competition, rather than being a sign of hostility, appears to be an interesting aspect of their social interaction.

Ideal tankmates for the Strawberry Leporinus include larger South American Cichlids, medium to large-sized Barbs, Headstanders, Catfish, other Leporinus species, and Plecos. It’s generally wise to steer clear of smaller species or those with intricate finnage to protect them from potential harm. Interestingly though, in our own aquarium, we’ve successfully kept a group of cull guppies with four different Leporinus species. Remarkably, these guppies are rarely disturbed by the Leporinus and have even managed to breed successfully, with many of their fry growing to adulthood. This unique cohabitation may not be typical, but in our experience, it has proven to be a harmonious arrangement.

One critical characteristic of the Strawberry Leporinus to be mindful of is its remarkable jumping ability. Given this propensity, it’s paramount to ensure your aquarium is equipped with a tightly secured lid to thwart any potential escape efforts. As for their preferred habitat, these fish thrive in an intricately adorned aquarium that includes a sandy bottom. Integrating elements such as multiple pieces of bogwood and smooth rocks not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your tank but also provides the Leporinus with essential hiding spots, contributing to their sense of security should they ever feel threatened.

The Strawberry Leporinus, with its elongated body, slender tail, and arched back, forms a genuinely beautiful spectacle. Its vibrant pinkish-red body is speckled with irregular black blotches of varying dimensions, adding allure.