Leporinus tigrinus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leporinus tigrinus |
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The Leporinus tigrinus, also known as the tiger leporinus, is a type of fish that lives in fresh water. It belongs to a family of fish called Anostomidae. These fish are known for their unique mouth shapes and how they swim.
This fish is originally from several big rivers in Brazil. These include the Tapajós, Tocantins, and Xingu river basins. A river basin is the area of land where all the water drains into a specific river. Sometimes, this fish has also been moved by people to new places. For example, it has been introduced to the upper Paraná basin. When a species is "introduced," it means it has been brought to an area where it doesn't naturally live.
The tiger leporinus can grow to be about 29.8 cm (11.7 in) long. This measurement is called its "standard length." Standard length means the length of the fish from its snout (nose) to the base of its tail fin.
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About the Tiger Leporinus
The Leporinus tigrinus is a fascinating fish with a striped pattern that looks a bit like a tiger, which is how it gets its common name. These stripes help it blend in with its surroundings in the river.
Where Does It Live?
This fish loves to live in the warm, fresh waters of South America. Its main home is in the large river systems of Brazil. These rivers are full of different kinds of plants and other aquatic life. The tiger leporinus finds its food and shelter among the rocks and plants in these rivers. It prefers areas with clear water and a good flow.
What Does It Look Like?
The tiger leporinus has a long, slender body. Its most noticeable feature is its pattern of dark stripes or spots on a lighter background. This camouflage helps it hide from predators and sneak up on its food. It has a special mouth that helps it feed on plants and small creatures. Its fins are usually clear or slightly colored.
How Big Does It Get?
As mentioned, the tiger leporinus can grow to almost 30 centimeters long. That's about the length of a standard ruler! This makes it a medium-sized fish compared to other species in its family. Its size can depend on how much food is available and the conditions of its habitat.
Is It Endangered?
The conservation status of the Leporinus tigrinus is listed as "Least Concern" (LC) by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). This is good news! It means that the species is not currently at high risk of becoming extinct. However, it's always important to protect river habitats to ensure all fish species can thrive.
See also
- In Spanish: Leporinus tigrinus para niños
