Spotted Headstander

Chilodus punctatus

Spotted Headstander is a peaceful middle swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Spotted Headstander?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 5–7.5
GH: 1–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 12 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 12 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 5–7.5, GH 1–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Spotted Headstander is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Spotted Headstander should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blue Moon Danio Devario xyrops Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 64–79°F (18–26°C) Adonis Tetra Lepidarchus adonis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Copper Ribbon Tetra Rhabdalestes septentrionalis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.7" (≤ 6.9 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Spotted Headstander get?

Spotted Headstander reaches ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm).

What aquarium size does Spotted Headstander need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Spotted Headstander peaceful?

Yes. Spotted Headstander is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Spotted Headstander?

Keep it between 20 to 28 °C.