In the past years we received this rare headstander, scientifically described only in 2005, which is known from the Orinoco in Venezuela and the Tapajós in Brazil, only very occasionally as a by-catch from Venezuela. Mostly the animals were found among Anostomus ternetzi or Pseudanos trimaculatus. Now we could finally import some specimens of this beautiful species.
Pseudanos winterbottomi becomes about 15 cm long, so it belongs to the medium-sized headstanders. The color change ability is amazing. Above all young animals are brightly ochre colored and have a dark vertical stripe. This remains lifelong, however, is not clearly recognizable in all mood-colorings. A golden shine, that becomes visible with frontlight, lies over everything. In the age, the fish become darker altogether, the tail fin turns deep orange, the golden shine shimmering in the reflected light is present above all on the back scales. The entire colour scheme is reminiscent of delicacies and fruit offered at Christmas, which is why we propose the popular name “Chocolate Headstander”.
This fish has to be cared for like all other headstanders, i.e. in large aquariums rich in cover and planted as well as possible. For headstander conditions, the species should be classified as peaceful. Both conspecifics and other fish are usually left alone. The best company are other headstanders, e.g. the already mentioned species, but also other, peaceful tetra, cichlids and catfish.
The chemical composition of the water is insignificant, the animals should be cared for at 26-28°C. When feeding, pay attention to the need for vegetable food, otherwise aquarium plants will be eaten. P. winterbottomi eats all common ornamental fish food.
For our customers: the species has code 283744 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers. Only available in limited quantities!
Lexicon: Pseudanos: means “false Anostomus”. winterbottomi: dedication name for Richard Winterbottom, curator emeritus for ichthyology at the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada.
Proposal of a common name: Chocolate Headstander
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
