Striped Headstander

Looks how to spot one

Elongated, torpedo-shaped scaled characin

A long, streamlined fish with a pointed head and an upturned mouth. Its pale peach to pinkish body carries bold black lengthwise stripes, the middle one curving into an arch under the dorsal fin, and the fins are tinted red. Mature females are slightly larger and rounder.312

Personality what they are like

Gets along with peaceful medium to large fish such as robust characins, plecos and calm cichlids. With its own kind it can be quarrelsome in small numbers, so keep either one or a group of six or more.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Swims at a head-down angle and spends much of its time grazing on rocks and wood. It comes from fast-flowing rivers, so it enjoys good water movement and swimming room.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Suggested ranges: about 20-28 C (FishBase gives 22-28 C), pH 5.5-7.5 (FishBase gives 6.0-8.0), hardness 1-18 dGH. Provide good filtration, oxygen and flow, and a lid.12

Home where they are happiest

Tank of at least 120 cm length (about 108 litres for one fish, larger for a group) with rocks, wood, some current and space to swim.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivorous grazer that eats algae and small invertebrates. Offer algae wafers, blanched vegetables such as spinach and cucumber, and live or frozen foods.12

Company who they like around

Can be kept singly, or in a group of six or more in a big tank to spread out squabbles.1

The story where it all began

One of the earliest fish formally named, described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. In the wild it lives along the rocky edges of fast rivers, picking food off stones. In 2008 three species once placed in its genus were moved to a new genus, Petulanos.12

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least Concern (assessed August 2020)2

FishBase

Described by Linnaeus in 17582