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Aquaria Now - The Spotted Headstander (Chilodus punctatus)
Aquaria Now Home > Fish Profiles:
Spotted Headstander - Chilodus punctatus (Müller & Troschel, 1844)
| Family |
Distribution |
Max. Size |
pH |
Temp. |
Breeding |
|
Chilodontidae
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South America: Amazon basin
|
3"
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SlightlyAcidic
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75-82° F.
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Expert
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| Diet |
Swim Range |
Temperment |
Sociability |
Min. Tank |
Availability |
|
Omnivorous
|
All Ranges
|
Peaceful
|
Groups
|
25 gallons
|
Common
|
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No photo
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Notes
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The Spotted Headstander is a small Characin from the Amazon basin in South America. These fish are noted for their habit of swimming with at an angle with their heads low and their tails high, and are just one of several species of "Headstanders". Growing to just a little over three inches in length, this species is suitable for small community aquariums, but does have a few requirements that one should take into consideration when purchasing this fish.
Ideally, Spotted Headstanders should be kept in groups of five or more. As one may have guess, these are schooling fish, and keeping just one specimen will not help with the fish's naturally shyness. Keeping two or three may result in a single specimen being picked on; hence groups of five or more being the recommendation.
Spotted Headstanders come from calm, soft waters with a slightly acidic pH. These fish are rarely - if ever - bred in captivity, and thus any that you may come across are most likely wild caught. For this reason it is recommended to simulate amazon conditions for these Characins as closely as possible.
Suitable tankmates are any small and peaceful community fish. Their diets should include a staple food flake as well as algae treats. These fish will also naturally graze on algae in the aquarium, and will generally not harm living plants.
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