This unique fish is a peaceful species that often rests in the water column with its head pointed downward!
The Spotted Headstander (Chilodus punctatus), also known as the Checkered Headstander, is a somewhat unusual fish that gets its common name from the odd way that it positions itself with its head pointed downward when the fish is resting. This somewhat shy fish is peaceful and can be a very good candidate for the community or planted aquarium.
- Unique schooling/shoaling pattern
- Hardy and peaceful
- Perfect for the planted aquarium
- Attractive “checkerboard” pattern
- Temperature: 68° – 82° F (20° – 28° C)
- pH:Â 5.0 – 7.5 (softer water is often preferred)
- KH:Â 8 – 12 dKH
- Minimum tank size:Â 30 gallons for a group of 6
- Diet: Carnivorous. Should be fed high-quality frozen foods such as bloodworms. Live gut-loaded fruit flies are also ideal. Most specimens will also eventually also accept high-quality flake foods.
- Social behavior:Â Peaceful, schooling. Â Must be kept in schools of 6 or more.
- Origin: Tank-bred, but indigenous to tropical South America’s Amazon basin.
- Average adult size:Â 2.8 – 3.1 inches (7 – 8 cm)
- Average purchase size:Â 1 – 1.5 inches (2.5 – 3.8 cm)