Family: Anostomidae
Distribution: The species Anostomus anostomus, better known as Striped Headstander, is distributed in South America’s Orinoco and Amazon River basins, the rivers of Venezuela and Columbia, and there are reports it has been seen in Suriname.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 84°F)
Hardness: 5 – 12 dH
Description: The Striped Headstander can reach up to 16 cm in length. This semi-aggressive species has an upward mouth and cigar-shaped body. Its stripes can ranges from brown to black, with alternating yellow stripes, and its tail and dorsal fin are a distinctive red colouration. This species has transparent fins, appointed head and an upturned mouth. You can expect the Striped Headstander to live for 5 – 8 years if looked after properly.
Diet: Anostomus anostomus is an omnivore and will accept flake, algae, frozen foods and small live foods such as freeze-dried bloodworms and shrimp.
Breeding: There have been no reported cases of successful breeding in the hobby. You should separate the males and females and stacking them up on live foods, before reintroducing them into a prepared, spawning-friendly tank. You might consider increasing the temperature slightly and covering the aquarium with a towel – in order to create a dark “mood light” and to keep the temperature up – in order to trigger spawning. Take the parents from the tank once the deed has been done: they have a tendency to eat the eggs.
Comments: You should provide this species with at least a 50 gallon tank. It may be a good idea to decorate your tank with driftwood, rocks and roots, but be wary that the Striped Headstander may eat your plants. Keep a lid on the aquarium as this species will jump out if given the chance.
Article/Books
Recommended Compatible Species: This species can display some aggression at times and you should house them in groups of six to avoid clashes. Striped Headstanders can be housed with peaceful cichlids, Rainbowfish, Guppies, Platies, Swordtails, Loaches, Mollies, and Barbs.
Originally posted 2010-01-26 11:12:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Comments on this entry are closed.