TankBud

Gold headstander

Anostomus ternetzi

Also known as Ternetz's anostomus, Gold-lined headstander, Ternetzi headstander, Red Mouth Headstander

FreshwaterFish

Gold headstander (Anostomus ternetzi)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
pH
5.5–7.5
Adult size
6.3 in
16 cm
Minimum tank
53 gal
200 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Anostomidae
Origin
Native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins and the Guianas in South America.

Overview

The gold headstander is a mostly peaceful grazer that swims in the middle of a long tank. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

The gold headstander spends much of its day angled nose down. That posture lets it reach into the crevices of wood and rock.

Caring for the gold headstander

Give gold headstanders a long tank of at least 53 gal (200 L), with wood, rocks and open grazing surfaces. Keep the water at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C) with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. They graze algae and small invertebrates, and they stay busy working over the decor for food.

Gold headstanders can be scrappy with their own kind. Keep a single fish or a group of at least six to spread out the squabbling, never just two or three. They are otherwise peaceful toward other fish, though tank mates still call for some caution.

Good to know

The gold headstander belongs to the South American family Anostomidae. It is a slender fish with dark stripes running along a golden body. Other names for it include Ternetz's anostomus, gold-lined headstander and red mouth headstander.

In the wild

The gold headstander comes from the Amazon and Orinoco basins and the Guianas in South America. It lives in flowing rivers and streams, often among rocks, wood and roots. The water there is warm and usually clear to slightly stained.

Common questions

What size tank does a gold headstander need?

A gold headstander needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a gold headstander need?

A gold headstander is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.5.

What does a gold headstander eat?

A gold headstander grazes algae and small invertebrates. It stays busy working over the wood and rocks in its tank for food.

How big does a gold headstander get?

An adult gold headstander reaches about 6.3 in (16 cm).

Related species