Anostomus Ternetzi Info

[Casmine]

Picked up one of these guys despite not knowing too much about them. Google seems to have a few conflicting sources and would like to hear from anyone who's kept them in the past. He's about 3 inches and in the 20 gallon QT.

Would there be any problems keeping him with my jack dempsey and red spotted sev in a 75?

Is there anything special care wise I should know about?

Also, it was sold to me as anostomus anostomus, but lacks any red in the fins. That's why i figure a ternetzi. Would a younger one not have the red in the fins? Or can I be sure it's a ternetzi? I'll post pics later today.

Thanks in advanced

 

[FJB]

Without seeing pictures but by your description it is probably A. ternetzi. I have had a single Anostomus anostomus since 2017 and had another way back. Wonderful fish. They are considered jerks and are indeed somewhat jerkish, nipping or harassing other fish. However, with the cichlids you mentioned it should be fine. I have had to rehome mine a couple of times to other tanks, because of bothering other fish; he is not a problem anymore and is about 4-5”. Mine is with tiger silver dollars, black neon tetras and Cories. Anostomids are among my favorite fish. I have also have had several different Leporinus, and an Abramites, all in the same family.

 

[cockroach]

I have 4. started with 5 but one decided to call it quits. Here are my experiences:
GENERAL:
75g should be fine for life.
Can move like a rocket, torpedo shaped for a reason.
Seem to really enjoy very HIGH FLOW tanks. But if you have less flow, make sure the tank is long enough to give them space to dart. 3 tail flicks and they are into the glass if not fighting a current.
COVER THE TANK. Launched at the right angle you will never find that one that flew the coop.

TEMPREMENT:
I have seen them described as boisterous, or even semi-aggressive.
Not the case with my groups and they even left a baby guppy with spine issues I tried to cull.
Keep them in groups of 5 or more. So much better behavior.
Once acclimated to your tank and inhabitants, they are not shy and took 3-4 days of training to start hand feeding.

FEEDING:
The love to graze and spend hours doing it. Even upside down on the rocks on the substrate.
Seem to appreciate wood to nibble on.
Eats anything you throw in the tank. But make sure it s a mix a veg based and protein foods.
Loves fresh veg. I do not even blanch. I rinse for chemicals and put it in. However, the leporinus usually destroy and they pick up finer bits.
Small mouths means they like smaller foods or food that softens allowing them to nibble.

SPECIAL CONSIDERARTIONS/REQUIREMENTS/SUGGESTIONS:
They do eat plants, but when I had only them, it was not enough to do serious damage in a 75g with many plants. But once the leps started in earnest the anostomus joined in whole heartedly.
Really appreciate an overhang to hide under. Mine do this under branch of drift wood. Seems to bring them a sense of safety.
Survived in an unheated tank 2 or 3 years now with winter/summer temp swings of 16/17°C to 31/32°C.
The Chinese name for them seems very apt: Big Pencil Fish. They get about 10-12cm but a slim and streamlined. So not a bulky fish.
A total PITA to catch in the 75g so make sure that is where you want to keep them.

Hope that helps a bit.