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Freshwater fishSpotted Headstander
Spotted Headstander
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The spotted headstander hovers upside down midway in the water looking for food on the floor of the tank. Headstanders are common in small streams and ponds of the Amazon basin. When food is spotted, the headstander bobs down for a bite. Such an obvious way to look for food; it is surprising few fish demonstrate this feeding habit! Headstander fish are gentle, require clean water, and frozen or live black worms and sinking pellets. In the wild these are schooling fish and do best in small groups. Water temperature should be about 80 degrees. Headstanders are common in small streams and ponds of the Amazon basin.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Chilodus punctatus |
| Origin | Amazon basin, South America |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Adult Size | Up to 3–4" |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Water Temperature | 75–82°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Group Size | Does best in a group |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 1½" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Give them plants, driftwood and a tight lid, since they can jump.
Feeding: Feed a quality flake or pellet with vegetable content once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Tankmates: Spotted headstanders are gentle and get along with peaceful community fish such as tetras, pencilfish and corydoras.
Good to know: Spotted headstanders hang head-down in the water, then bob down to pick at food.
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