Threespot Headstander

A slim headstander with three dark spots along its side, formerly known as Anostomus trimaculatus. It does best in a group, and it can be territorial.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Usually hard to sex, although females are often rounder.

A long tank with a tight lid is best, because these fish jump. Use tough plants or wood, as soft plants are often eaten.

An active fish that often swims nose-down as it picks at surfaces for food.

Often does best in a group, which spreads out aggression between individuals.

Can be quarrelsome with its own kind and similar-looking fish.

Keep with robust fish of a similar size. It may nip long fins. It may nip the fins of slow or long-finned fish, and a larger group usually reduces this. It is likely to eat shrimp.

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable. Keep the temperature steady.

Takes plant matter as well as small foods. Include plenty of vegetable food.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

An egg scatterer with no parental care. Adults eat eggs and fry, so use a separate tank with fine plants, moss or mesh on the bottom, and remove the adults after spawning. The fry need very small foods at first.