Family: Chilodontidae
Distribution: Chilodus punctatus, better known as the Spotted Headstander, is a freshwater species distributed throughout the Amazon River basin, Apeú River, Pará State, Suriname, Guyana, and the western Orinoco River basin.
PH: 6.0 – 7.0
Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75 – 84F)
Hardness: 10 dH
Description: Chilodus punctatus can grow to a maximum length of 8 cm. This silver-gold coloured species has a dark patch on each of its large scales, giving it a unique, spotted appearance. It has one stripe that goes along its body and several dark spots on its dorsal fin. Females have a more rounded body during spawning. This species has a “head-down” way of swimming, giving it its common name: Spotted Headstander.
Diet: Chilodus punctatus can be fed worms, vegetable-based foods, insects, plant matter and crustaceans. You should bear in mind this species’ mouth is very small, so all prepared foods should be small and easily digestible.
Breeding: You will know when this species is spawning because it will lose its spotted marks. These will be replaced by one or two dark patches between the eyes and dorsal area. After spawning, the female will shed 3 – 5 eggs; each egg is only 1.5 mm in size. Once you see these eggs appear you should instantly remove the parents from the tank. Breeding and raising this species is not too difficult and the fry can be fed brine shrimp as soon as they have hatched.
Comments: Make sure you provide plenty of dense vegetation to simulate Chilodus punctatus’ natural environment. This species will require plenty of hiding spaces given its timid, peaceful nature. It is best to house a school of 5 – 6 Spotted Headstanders in an 80 litre tank. This species is suitable for newcomers to the hobby, but careful attention should be paid to water conditions. Sudden changes in water quality – or a failure to keep the water clean – may result in disease and eventual death.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Chilodus punctatus can be housed in a one-species tank or with other small, peaceful fish. They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-05 20:31:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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