Anostomus Anostomus

Anostomus Anostomus is the scientific name of Striped Anostomus. Commonly, it is known as Striped headstander other than the common name of Striped Anostomus. It is found along the rocky banks of fast flowing rivers that have ample algae. In South America, Orinico and Amzon rivers of Guyana, Columbia, Brazil, Peru and Venezuela are the regions which are inhabited by this fish. Go through the lines below to know more about Anostomus Anostomus.

Diet

Anostomus Anostomus feeds on diet rich in vegetables like spinach, lettuce etc. It also eats vegetable flake food, fruits, plants, algae and live food such as insect larvae, crustaceans, aquatic insects and worms.

Breeding

In an aquarium, it is very difficult to spawn Anostomus Anostomus. This fish is commonly bred in places where eggs are hatched in South America and Asia. Though there are reports available of its breeding in aquarium but they are very few. In initiating the spawn, diet of this fish actually plays a very important part.

Physical Description

Anostomus Anostomus is an elongated fish and is laterally compressed. Color of its body varies from brown to black with yellow horizontal stripes that are three in number. Usually the dorsal fin is red and also the area on the base of the tail. Other fins of this fish are transparent. It has a pointed head and an upturned mouth which helps this fish in grazing algae. The scale can have a slight reddish luster in reflected light. The size it reaches is that of 8 inches or 20 cms.

Tank Set Up

Tank of Anostomus Anostomus should measure 40 inches or 101 cms. It should have the capacity to hold 190-209 liters or 45-55 gallons of water. There should be dark substrate of fine gravel or sand in the tank. Use a tight-fitting cover because this fish can jump excellently. A strong current should be created by the filter in order to make the fish more comfortable. Strong lighting should be used to promote growth of algae. You can keep this fish in a well-planted tank till you feed it with large amounts of green food and there is enough algae to be grazed upon. Provide hiding places among caves, rock structures and driftwood. Regarding the water chemistry pH should be 5.8-7.5 (6.5), water hardness 2-18 dH (8) and temperature 22-29 degree C or 72-84 degree F.

Social Behavior

Keep your Anostomus Anostomus single or in groups of six or more. This fish may fight if kept in smaller groups. It gets along with medium to large fish. Long-flowing finned fish may be nipped at night. Keep it with fish having calm temperament and that do not become aggressive for getting food. At times this fish may be territorial. Companions recommended to be kept with this fish are Armored Catfish, Doradids, Central and South American cichlids, Pimelodids, tetras, Loricarids, hatchetfish, barbs, Knifefish, Synodontis, piranha, Loaches, gouramis and Arawana.

Anostomus Anostomus is a hardy fish that needs a tank set-up which includes rock structures. This fish must be kept with fish of medium to large size. This fish swims while pointing its head in downward position and grazes algae from the rocks and searches for fallen food and thus, it is given the common name of Striped Headstander. It lives for 3-5 years.