Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 68–82°F (20–28°C)
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 3.1 in (8 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 22 gal (85 L)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- South America
- Family
- Chilodontidae
Overview
This is a peaceful, social fish best kept in a group of five or more, in a tank of around 85 liters. It holds itself at a head-down angle and grazes biofilm and algae off surfaces during the day. Feed a mostly plant-based diet of flakes and vegetable foods, with occasional brine shrimp or bloodworms for protein. It does best in soft, slightly acidic, warm water and can be shy without enough cover.
In the wild
The spotted headstander lives in slow streams and tributaries of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America, in shady, densely planted water with submerged roots and decaying leaves. The water is soft and slightly acidic. Recreate that with a dim, well-planted tank, soft acidic to neutral water, and a temperature in the low to high 20s C. Driftwood and leaf litter make it feel at home.
Good to know
Chilodus punctatus is the type species of the small family Chilodontidae, the headstanders. It grows to about 8 cm and is easy to spot from its head-down posture and the rows of dark spots along its body. It is an omnivore in the wild, eating plant matter and small invertebrates. Wild numbers are considered stable, and there is no reliable record of it breeding at home.
Did you know
The constant head-down tilt is not just a quirk. It points the mouth right at submerged surfaces so the fish can scrape algae and biofilm efficiently while other fish feed in the usual horizontal position.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Imperial Tropicals Freshwater fish and inverts bred at a Florida hatchery
- Aqua Huna Freshwater fish, shrimp and plants with a three day live arrival guarantee
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Spotted headstander?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Celebes rainbow
Marosatherina ladigesi3.1 in (8 cm)25 gal (95 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)
Three-striped African catfish
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Madagascar rainbowfish
Bedotia madagascariensis3.3 in (8.5 cm)45 gal (170 L)73–90°F (23–32°C)
Peacock gudgeon
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Striped glass catfish
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Dwarf rainbowfish
Melanotaenia maccullochi2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)