Elongate Headstander

Elongate Headstander (Chilodus gracilis)

The Elongate Headstander is an intriguing freshwater fish, well-known for its unique "headstanding" behavior, which involves tilting its body at an angle while swimming or resting. This slender fish displays a silver-gray body with a dark stripe running horizontally from the snout to the caudal fin, often accompanied by a series of fainter vertical bars.

Elongate Headstanders are peaceful fish that grow to around 3 inches in size. They are best kept in a group of 5-6 individuals, as they feel more secure and display their natural behavior in the company of their own kind.

Relatively shy and peaceful and does not appreciate the presence of boisterous or fast-moving species. Compatible tank mates include Tetras, Corydoras, and small Loricariids. Peaceful small to medium sized fish include Emperor Tetras, Penguin Tetra, Bolivian Rams, and Keyhole Cichlids.

These omnivorous fish require a balanced diet consisting of vegetable matter, such as spirulina flakes, algae wafers, or blanched vegetables, along with sinking pellets, small live or frozen invertebrates like brine shrimp, daphnia, moina, and bloodworms.

A well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and swimming areas is essential. Elongate Headstanders. The ideal habitat would be a biotope-style aquarium with a sandy substrate, along with driftwood roots and branches, a layer of leaf litter, and floating plants. Incorporate dense vegetation for Elongate Headstanders to graze on algae, as this species is unlikely to eat plants' leaves or tender shoots. Anubias species are an ideal plant choice to accompany this headstander, as they can promote substantial biofilm and algae growth in an aquarium with moderate to high lighting.

Headstanders are susceptible to the effects of dissolved organic pollutants in immature aquariums. It is not recommended to add them to any aquariums until they have matured and have a stable biological environment.

A 30-gallon tank is the minimum size, with a 40-gallon community aquarium being ideal. Keep the water parameters within a pH range of 6.0-7.5, hardness between 5-15 dGH, and a temperature of 75-82°F (24-28°C).