Care guide · Freshwater · fish
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
No verified species photo available yet
Chilodus punctatus, the spotted headstander, is a small South American fish in the family Chilodontidae. The shared common name ‘headstander’ does not make it an Anostomus. In nature it forages in slow rivers, oxbows and floodplain lakes. It is shy and peaceful and is sensitive to dissolved organic waste. A mature aquarium and calm tankmates are therefore more important than elaborate decoration. At purchase, check that fish are actively feeding and not being outcompeted. A calm transition helps this sensitive species acclimate.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C
- pH
- 5.0–7.5
- GH
- 1–10 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 90 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 81 L
- Adult size
- At least 8 cm
- Group size
- At least 1 individuals
- Temperament
- Peaceful
About this species
Seriously Fish reports 80 mm standard length. This measurement ends at the tail base and excludes the caudal fin. The specialist profile recommends a minimum footprint of 90 × 30 cm and about 81 litres at its reference height. Although relatively small, this species needs room to swim and forage as a group. Do not choose a tank based only on the juvenile size seen in a shop.Natural habitat
Eschmeyer’s Catalog gives Lake Amuku in the upper Essequibo system of Guyana as the type locality. The specialist aquarium profile reports a wider range across parts of the Amazon, western Orinoco and coastal rivers of Guyana and Suriname. It mainly inhabits slow water, oxbows and floodplain lakes. Colour patterns may vary by locality; do not use that variation to misidentify individual fish.Aquarium and layout
Seriously Fish gives a minimum footprint of 90 × 30 cm and about 81 litres. Use a biologically mature aquarium with good water quality, floating plants, roots and sheltered surfaces. This fish is sensitive to dissolved organic waste and should not go into a newly started tank. Keep a group and provide enough cover for shy fish to withdraw and feed calmly.Water conditions
The specialist source gives 20–28°C, pH 5.0–7.5 and GH 1–10 dGH. Such broad ranges do not mean rapid changes are harmless. Stability and low dissolved organic waste are essential. Provide appropriate filtration, test regularly and maintain consistent water changes. Acclimate new fish gradually and observe normal breathing and feeding.Behaviour and group size
Chilodus punctatus is shy and peaceful. Boisterous, fast or dominant tankmates may outcompete it for food and cover. It can be kept in a group; some squabbling may occur, but the specialist profile says injuries are rare when sufficient cover is present. Calm small tetras, small loricariids, Corydoras and peaceful dwarf cichlids may suit it when adult size and water needs align.Feeding
The species is omnivorous. Reported stomach contents are mainly insects and larvae, with seasonal variation and some plant material. Offer small live or frozen foods such as suitable water fleas or brine shrimp, alongside blanched vegetables, algae foods and quality sinking dry foods. Shy individuals can miss meals when tankmates feed too quickly. Feed so the group can eat calmly and remove leftovers.Breeding
The specialist profile says spawning has apparently occurred but provides no details. It only presumes egg scattering without parental care, perhaps around the onset of the wet season. Because this information is explicitly uncertain and incomplete, this guide does not invent a temperature trigger, egg count or fry plan. Treat breeding as unconfirmed and focus first on stable housing and good condition.Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .