All fish / Chilodontidae

Spotted Headstander

Chilodus punctatus

Also known as spotted headstander, headstander, pearl headstander, dotted headstander, chilodus, チロダス・プンクタートゥス, チロダス, 斑点倒立鱼, 倒立鱼

A slim silvery fish covered in rows of small dark spots, with a dark stripe running from the snout through the eye. It swims at a head-down angle as it picks at plants and surfaces, which makes it an unusual and calm addition to a planted South American community.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Omnivore: algae and vegetable matter, quality flakes and sinking pellets, blanched spinach, bloodworm and brine shrimp

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern South America: Amazon, Orinoco and Essequibo basins (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Guyana)

Breeding

An egg scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants in soft, acidic water, with the adults giving no parental care. It has been bred in home aquaria but is not done often and needs well conditioned fish and very soft water.

Good to know

Sensitive to poor water quality and nitrate, so it should go into a mature tank with regular water changes. It may nibble soft-leaved plants.