Striped Headstander (Anostomus anostomus) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 75 gallons and 75-82°F. A slim red-and-white striped fish that likes to angle head-down among plants and wood. It can bicker with its own kind, so keep it either alone or in a larger group with lots of cover, give it a long tank, and expect it to nibble soft plants.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Anostomus anostomus |
|---|---|
| Family | Anostomidae |
| Origin | Guianas, Orinoco and Amazon basins, South America |
| Adult size | 6 in |
| Minimum tank | 75 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Temperament | Active, territorial with its own kind |
| Social behavior | Keep 6+ or a single fish |
| Swim level | Mid to upper |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore: flakes, pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, frozen foods |
| Typical lifespan | 5-8 years |
Quick tips
- Use a tight lid; headstanders jump.
- Provide wood, rocks and tall plants for territories.
- Offer vegetable matter regularly.
San Diego water
Prefers softer, more acidic water than San Diego's tap (pH roughly 7.6-8.6, hard). Most keepers blend tap with RO/DI water or use a remineralized RO/DI supply. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi