Care
The Strawberry Leporinus seems to have been originally imported from Brazil although Leporinus granti was previously known from the Guianan region. A number of spotted species are known in this genus and it may be that further investigation changes the designation of this species.
In the wild, Leporinus travel in groups foraging amongst algae and detritus in habitats dominated by waterlogged wood, rocks and leaf litter. Their aquarium should be mature and aquascaped with a sand or small-grained, smooth gravel substrate, plenty of sturdy pieces of driftwood and an open swimming space along the front of the tank. Plants are not necessary, but will make the aquarium more aesthetically pleasing; however, as these fish will devour plants, it is essential to choose robust species such as Anubias spp. and Java Fern (Microsorum) that can be tied onto the decor. Of greater importance is the use of powerful filtration (ideally provided by external canisters) and a high level of oxygenation, perhaps provided by spray-bar returns situated above the water line and/or additional powerheads. High water quality is essential for this river-dwelling species, so partial water changes should be carried out on a very regular basis in order to keep nitrogenous waste to a minimum. Sturdy, tight fitting coverslides are requisite, as these fish are accomplished jumpers.
Although gregarious in the wild, Leporinus can be rather quarrelsome when maintained in small groups in aquaria and will be better in larger numbers. Some reports suggest that housing differently sized fishes together reduces bickering but most disputes are settled by threat displays and posturing. The smaller spotted species are much less aggressive than their striped relatives and are a good choice for larger communities of robust fish. Tankmates could include medium-large sized peaceful cichlids, large characins, talking catfish (doradids) and suckermouth catfish (loricariids). Smaller shoaling fishes such as tetras and barbs are usually ignored as long as they can't be swallowed whole.
Feeding
Omnivorous. Offer a variety of dried (flake, green flake, pellets etc) and frozen foods including white mosquito larvae, bloodworm (sparingly), vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp etc, plus some greenfoods.
Breeding
Tank-bred youngsters are the most frequently seen and these seem to be typical egg scatterers. Wild fishes spawn seasonally and duplication of temperature and hardness values may trigger a spawning.
