Chilodus punctatus

Chilodus punctatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Characiformes
Family:	Chilodontidae
Genus:	Chilodus
Species:	C. punctatus
Binomial name
Chilodus punctatus

Chilodus punctatus (spotted headstander or pearl headstander) is a headstander in the genus Chilodus. The spotted headstander has a body that extends grayish and green colors over his body and sets off the colors with rows of brown specks.

Diet

Vegetables; small live foods (like Daphnia); and flake foods.

Aquarium care

At best they are kept as a group of three or four. These fish are peaceful community fish. The water should be reasonably soft and also slightly acidic. The temperature of the water should be around 26 °C (80 °F). The parents should be removed after spawning among the roots of floating plants. The fish will lay around 200 eggs. Fry swim head-down from birth. They should be given brine shrimp as first food.

Distribution

North and South America.

Other comments

This fish is named for its distinctive head-down swimming position (at 45°). The light should be kept subdued. Provide also places where it can shelter. These fish usually remain in the shade - emerging to feed.