Red Mouth Headstander
Red Mouth Headstander
Red Mouth Headstander (Anostomus ternetzi) displays a pale body with a bold dark lateral stripe and vivid red coloration around the mouth — the red lips give the fish a distinctive and striking facial marking. The headstander posture is characteristic. Headstanders and Silver Dollars are characins from the Amazon and Orinoco basins — active, schooling fish that do best in large groups in spacious, well-filtered aquariums.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Headstanders appreciate blanched vegetables and algae-based foods. Silver Dollars are largely herbivorous — supplement with blanched greens and Hikari Mini Algae Wafers. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms 2–3 times per week.
Active schooling fish from South American river systems. Prefer well-oxygenated water with good flow and ample swimming space. Silver Dollars and headstanders will eat soft-leaved plants — use robust plants like Java Fern and Anubias or focus on hardscape.
Keep in groups of at least five. Compatible with other large, robust South American fish. Some species may nip fins — observe with long-finned tankmates.
In a proper school in a large aquarium, Silver Dollars and headstanders create a spectacular, dynamic display.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful to semi-aggressive |
| Typical Adult Size | 6.0 inches (15 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 5 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Amazon and Orinoco basins, South America |
| Notes | Vivid red mouth markings. Bold dark lateral stripe. Headstander posture. |
