Astyanax leopoldi
Leopold's Tetra
Last revised 2026Edit this page
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Quick factsEdit
Difficulty6 of 8 measures
Rated moderate because it needs strong current.
- Space
- medium tank
- Water
- flexible
- Temp
- needs a steady temperature
- Diet
- unknown
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Social
- needs to be in a group
- Compatibility
- fine with others
Other demands
Each of these can raise the rating on its own, whatever the measures above say.
- Hardiness
- unknown
- Needs strong current, with the filter turning the tank over 8–12 times an hour
Leopold's tetra, Astyanax leopoldi, is a characid native to the Approuague and Oyapock river basins in French Guiana and Brazil. It is most common in fast-flowing waters, where it swims in large shoals in marginal or calmer areas. Like most Astyanax, it is rarely offered for sale.
Distribution
EditNative to the Approuague and Oyapock river basins in French Guiana and northern Brazil.
Habitat
Write a noteEditAquarium size
Write a noteEditA tank with base dimensions measuring 60 ∗ 30 cm24 ∗ 12 in or similar should prove sufficient.
Maintenance
Write a noteEditQuite adaptable. It will thrive in a stream-type setup with a gravel substrate, smooth stones and a good amount of water flow. It is equally happy in an Amazon-style arrangement or heavily-planted tank, though. Given its natural habitat, assume good oxygenation to be key for its long term survival.
Water conditions
EditThese recommendations come from this profile’s own figures. They contain affiliate links, so we may earn a commission.
Diet
Write a noteEditApparently preys on invertebrates and smaller fishes in nature. Its captive diet should contain plenty of small live and frozen morsels alongside good quality dried foods.
Behaviour and compatibility
Write a noteEditVery peaceful and suitable for many community tanks. Don't keep it with anything very large or aggressive. Good tankmates include small characins, dwarf cichlids and peaceful catfishes from the families Callichthyidae and Loricariidae. It's a schooling species by nature, so buy a group of at least 8-10.
Sexual dimorphism
Write a noteEditSexually mature females are heavier-bodied than males.
Reproduction
Write a noteEditHas apparently been bred in captivity but we've been unable to obtain any specifics thus far.
Notes
EditMost Astyanax spp. are not popular in the aquarium hobby, though the genus is among the most speciose within the family Characidae. A. leopoldi is no exception in that you'll rarely see it offered for sale.
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