Gold headstander

Care at a glance

Overview

Headstanders can be scrappy with their own kind, so either keep a single fish or a larger group of 5 or more to spread out the squabbling, never just two or three. Give a long tank of at least 200 liters with wood, rocks, and open grazing surfaces. It is otherwise peaceful toward other fish and stays busy working over the decor for algae.

In the wild

Lives in flowing rivers and streams, often among rocks, wood, and roots where it grazes algae and small invertebrates. It typically hangs at an angle with its head pointed down, poking into crevices. The water is warm and usually clear to slightly stained.

Good to know

Anostomus ternetzi is a slender headstander reaching around 16 cm, with dark stripes running along a golden body. It swims and rests in a distinctive head down posture. It belongs to the South American family Anostomidae.

Did you know

It spends much of its day angled nose down, using that posture to pick algae and tiny creatures out of cracks in wood and rock.

Related species

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  Striped headstander

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• 

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