Magnificent headstander - Anostomus anostomus - DNZ - 5cm

These pretty splendid catfish are endemic to the middle and upper South American Amazon basin, but are also found in the Orinoco, as well as Guyana, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. In their habitat, they tend to prefer fast-flowing waters and "stand" primarily among rock formations. It belongs to the family of the Engmaulsalmler and is scientifically as Anostomus anostomus called. Furthermore, two other subspecies exist. With a long life expectancy they accompany their keeper more than a decade.

You will receive our animals in a size of 5 cm.

Magnificent headstander have an elongated body with green-yellow ground color. Several dark longitudinal bands lie on it, one directly over the back, the second leads from the mouth over the eye to the base of the tail, the third from the chin over the belly. The pronounced lateral line is straight. The head is elongated and ends with a superior mouth, and the eye is relatively large. The dorsal and caudal fin s are reddish, and the adipose fin, typical of tetras, may also have red tints. The remaining fins are transparent. Distinguishing the sexes purely externally is difficult; both reach sizes of 15-18 centimeters. Females often grow slightly larger, rounder and also plumper than males.

Random breeding has been reported, but it is difficult in the aquarium. They are free spawners, with the spawn guarded by the male.

Giant fishes value their own kind, although they tend to form loose groups. Therefore, it is best to keep these interesting animals with 8 other mates, so that intra-species aggression is better distributed and they can live out their species-typical social behavior accordingly. The aquarium for Anostomus anostomus should be spacious and have 500-600 liters. As in their habitat they prefer a very good infrastructure, which can be realized with various roots and stone structures secured against falling over. Because Prachtkopfsteher have their interesting name rightly: they "stand" upside down in crevices and nibble in this way on algae coverings. But also hiding places and caves should not be neglected, because they form territories and defend them. Basically the aquarium may be well filtered and have a stronger current, as the animals know it from their habitat. As growth eaters they are also dependent on a good basis in the form of algae, by a strong aquarium lighting and a prolonged lighting time this can be realized quite easily. At a total hardness of 5-19 °dGH, as well as a pH of 6-7.5 they can be maintained quite well.

Anostomus anostomus can be well socialized with other fish that can cope with these parameters. However, rather agile and nimble by-fish should be preferred, since fish with large body surfaces or too sluggish behavior could otherwise be "grazed" by it. Also herbivorous Red Fire Shrimp are also well suited for socialization, as well as well reproducing dwarf shrimp species like the Red Fire Shrimpbut it can happen that a cheeky juvenile is accidentally eaten. Also the popular and somewhat larger growing Amano shrimp is well suited.

As omnivore and above all as Aufwuchsfresser the Prachtkopfsteher prefers indeed mainly algae growth in the aquarium, can be however also with feed tablets, Algae plates or with over-brooded vegetables like Pumpkin chips, Zucchini chips or Paprika can be fed. From time to time it may be fed with live or frozen food in the form of worms or larvae like Mosquito larvae, Artemia or Daphnia can be spoiled. In and of itself, however, he can also be accustomed to any conventional dry food or granulated food but also food tablets for catfish. However, it is important to ensure that his diet is mainly vegetarian.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfish Feed for all aufwuchs feeding sucking catfish in the aquarium is a balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes that provide sucker catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.