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Fishmedium

Spotted Headstander

Chilodus punctatus

Chilodontidae

📍 South America

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Named for its habit of resting at a 45-degree head-down angle, this unusual fish has a silver body covered in rows of dark spots. Peaceful and interesting to watch, it grazes on biofilm and algae. Best kept in groups in a mature, planted tank.

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Quick Facts

diet
Herbivore/omnivore – algae wafers, spirulina flake, blanched vegetables, frozen foods
lifespan
5–8 years
max size
9 cm (3.5 in)
tank size
30 gallons minimum
school size
6+
temperament
Peaceful, schooling

Water it likes

ph
5.5–7.0
ammonia
0 ppm
nitrate
<20 ppm
hardness
1–10 dGH
temperature
75–82°F (24–28°C)

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists