Page 90 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

88 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

CHARACOIDS

It is surprisingly difficult to describe exactly what
defines a characoid, in spite of the fact that
many of them are popular aquarium fish.
While they usually have teeth, they are not
the only group of fish with this characteristic.
Most characoids have a small, remote fin located
on the back, just in front of the caudal fin. This fin,
which lacks any rays, is called an adipose fin, but then
again, not every member of the group displays this
feature. Although the majority of characoid species
are of New World origin, the group is also
well represented in Africa.

Body shape is no guide as to what constitutes a member of this
group of fish. While pencilfish, such as these Dwarf Pencilfish
(Nannostomus marginatus), have thin, elongated bodies, other
characoids, including hatchetfish, have very deep profiles.

Nannostomus beckfordi Chilodus punctatus Abramites hypselonotus
Golden Pencilfish Spotted Headstander High-Backed Headstander

ORIGINS Northern South America, in the central ORIGINS Found in northeastern South America, ORIGINS South America, occurring in the Amazon,
Amazon region, the Rio Negro, and Guyana. including parts of Guyana. Orinoco, and Paraguay river basins.
SIZE 3 in (7.5 cm). SIZE 4 ⁄4 in (12 cm). SIZE 5 in (12.5 cm).
3
DIET Prepared diets, plant matter, and live foods. DIET Live foods preferred. DIET Vegetable matter essential.
WATER Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C); hard WATER Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C); soft WATER Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C); hard
(150–200 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0). (50–100 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.5–7.0). (100–150 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Social, peaceful, and timid. TEMPERAMENT Social, peaceful, and often retiring. TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of its own kind.
Sky-blue tips to the clear ventral fins are The Spotted Headstander displays rows of dark, The body of this fish is marked by broad, blackish,
a feature of these fish, which also have a similar-sized spots, with a more definite line vertical bands. The silvery background becomes
broad dark stripe along the body, with running through the eye to more yellowish on the upperparts. The young do
a red line above, and perhaps a hint of the tail. Some individuals not display the high back, which is limited
gold in between. Nannostomus pencilfish have a more golden to the adults. Decorate the aquarium with
have small mouths, and they may choke or background color than rockwork and bogwood. Choose plants
simply go hungry if their food is too large. Flake others. The spotted carefully because they are likely to
and small live foods such as daphnia are ideal. Sex patterning is replaced be eaten, or use
can be determined by the shape of the anal by black blotches plastic plants
fin, which is more rounded in males. behind each instead. Cover
eye when the tank, because
the fish come these headstanders
Spotted pattern
on the body into spawning will jump
condition. readily. Their
Like other headstanders, these fish often hang in intolerance
the water at an angle of approximately 45°, which makes
explains the common name. Filtration through peat pairing
is recommended (see p.46). Spotted headstanders Banded difficult.
can be bred successfully in the home aquarium. patterning

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