Steyermarks Toothpick Leporinus Leporinus Steyermarki 5cm

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Leporinus steyermarki Scientific Name: Leporinus steyermarki Common Names: Steyermark's Leporinus, Steyermark's Toothpick Fish Overview Leporinus steyermarki is a vibrant and active species of fish from the Leporinus genus, native to the tropical rivers of South America, particularly in Venezuela and the surrounding areas. Recognized by its slender body, long fins, and distinctive black markings, it is often called the "Toothpick Fish" due to its thin, elongated appearance. Known for its curious nature, it makes an interesting and peaceful addition to larger community aquariums, but its active swimming behavior and potential for territoriality during breeding means it should be housed with compatible tankmates. Key Information Size: Up to 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) Lifespan: 5–7 years Temperament: Peaceful, but may become territorial when breeding Diet: Omnivore – scavenger, but also accepts plant matter Swimming Level: Mid to upper Habitat & Tank Setup Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for a group of 3–5 individuals Group Size: Prefers to be in groups, as they are social fish Substrate: Fine sand or gravel Decor: Rocks, driftwood, and plenty of open swimming space Plants: Hardy plants like Anubias or Java fern; they may nibble on soft plants Lighting: Moderate to bright Filtration: Moderate to strong filtration to keep water clean and oxygenated Water Parameters Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C) pH: 6.0–7.5 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (4–12 dGH) Water Quality: Clean, well-filtered water with regular water changes Feeding Diet Type: Omnivore Suitable Foods: High-quality flakes or pellets Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia) Vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times per day, in moderate amounts Tankmates Compatible With: Larger peaceful community fish (tetras, peaceful cichlids, rainbowfish) Larger catfish (Corydoras, Pictus) Other species of Leporinus (best in a group of 3 or more) Avoid: Slow-moving, delicate fish or small shrimp (may be stressed or outcompeted) Aggressive or overly territorial species Care Notes Very active swimmers, so provide ample swimming space Can be territorial during breeding, so provide hiding spots They have a tendency to nibble on soft plants but are not destructive Regular water changes and good filtration are essential for this species They appreciate a well-planted tank with lots of cover for occasional hiding Fun Fact The Leporinus steyermarki gets its common name "Toothpick Fish" due to its slender body and long fins, making it resemble the shape of a toothpick. They are also known to jump when startled, so a lid is recommended for the aquarium!

Above images for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.

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