Striped Headstander

Anostomus ternetzi is a close relative of A. anostomus and shares its characteristic head-down feeding posture and bold striped patterning — three dark longitudinal bands on a pale background with red fin accents. It originates from the Orinoco drainage of Venezuela and Colombia and is slightly less commonly seen in the hobby than its famous relative.

In the aquarium, it displays similar care requirements and social dynamics. It benefits from robust tankmates capable of withstanding occasional assertive behaviour, and strong water movement mimicking fast-flowing rivers is appreciated. Driftwood and rocks provide grazing surfaces and territory boundaries.

As a primarily herbivorous fish, the diet must be plant-based: spirulina flake, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables should dominate, with frozen foods as protein supplements. It is a rewarding fish for aquarists who appreciate characterful, active South American biotope species.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 2–15, KH 1–8); good oxygenation. Tank: 200 L minimum; robust or artificial plants, driftwood, rocks, moderate to strong flow. Feeding: Spirulina flake, algae wafers, blanched courgette, herbivore pellets; frozen daphnia and bloodworm. Breeding: Not recorded in captivity. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive with own kind; peaceful towards other large South American fish.