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
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Anostomidae
Origin
Native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins and the Guianas in South America.

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.

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.

How big does a Gold headstander get?

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

Related species