Gold-striped headstander

Anostomus ternetzi

A broad dark stripe edged in gold, with comparatively pale fins

Dark longitudinal bands and fine pale gold stripes mark a slender body. The fins lack the conspicuous red areas shown by its familiar relative A. anostomus.

Adult length: Up to 12.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–28 °C
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: 1–15 dGH

Natural habitat: Adults inhabit fast-flowing river reaches.

Disputes between conspecifics can occur. Plant browsing and jumping are concerns.

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Appearance and identification

Juveniles and some older fish show wavy stripe margins.

Same-species behaviour

Keep one individual or six or more in a larger aquarium; a few can quarrel.

Space requirements

Use oxygenated water movement, grazing surfaces and open space. A 120 × 30 cm base.

Diet and feeding

Provide substantial plant food alongside small frozen or live items; algae alone is insufficient.

Compatibility limits

Watch size and feeding competition; small fish and shrimp may not be safe with it.

Aquarium environment

Aquatic plants may be eaten.

Sources

www.aquariumglaser.de ↗ 2026-10-22

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

mczbase.mcz.harvard.edu ↗ 2026-10-22