Characins - Part 6 of 9 - Freshwater Aquariums

Freshwater Aquariums

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Freshwater Aquariums

Characins - Part 6 of 9
Headstanders

Ever stand in front of a tank at the pet shop and wonder what the striped fish with its head pointed downward is? Odds are it was an anostomid, commonly known by the name of "headstander". If you haven't seen one it's worth shopping around for, as they make a colorful and interesting addition to a community tank.

Indigenous to rivers and tributaries of South America, they adapt to a range of conditions but prefer planted tanks with dark gravel and vertical crevices that mimic the rocky habitat they originate from. Soft peat-filtered water and a diet rich in vegetable matter will ensure good health. Although largely herbivorous, they will readily accept brine shrimp, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae. Fresh lettuce leaves and peas should also be included in their diet as often as possible.

Although very tolerant of other fish in the community tank, headstanders are not as friendly towards their own kind. Single specimens are the ideal, otherwise they are best kept in groups numbering more a half dozen or more. This is particularly true of a deep bodied High Backed Headstander (Abramites hypselonotus), which is best kept one to a tank.

The species most often seen in home aquaria is Anostomus anostomus (Striped Headstander). This beautifully colored fish sports black and gold horizontal stripes running the full length of its body, terminating in a brilliant red caudal fin with matching crimson dorsal fin. Another very popular headstander is Leproinus fasciatus (Black-banded Leproinus), who displays attractive black and gold vertical bands. Less commonly seen headstanders that make good additions to a community tank include Anostomus brevior, Anostomus taeniatus, and Anostomus ternetzi.

Characin features coming up ...
Pencilfish
Pacus and Silver Dollars
Piranhas

Headstander Links