Worm-line Headstander Care Guide
Synaptolaemus cingulatus is a rarely kept headstander from the upper Orinoco, Casiquiare and upper Xingu, swimming head-down and suited to specialist setups.
Overview
Synaptolaemus cingulatus is a rarely seen headstander of the family Anostomidae. Like other anostomids it adopts a head-down swimming posture. FishBase gives a maximum length of about 8.4 cm total length. It is a specialist species seldom available in the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Anostomidae
- Genus: Synaptolaemus
- Scientific name: Synaptolaemus cingulatus (Myers & Fernández-Yépez, 1950)
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the upper Orinoco River, the Casiquiare channel, and the upper Xingu River basin. It is a benthopelagic, tropical freshwater fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Group size: 4 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Provide structure such as rocks and roots for a head-down grazer
Diet
As an anostomid headstander, Synaptolaemus cingulatus is best treated as an omnivore grazing on aufwuchs and small invertebrates. A varied diet including vegetable matter and small live or frozen foods is appropriate. Detailed wild feeding data is limited.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful headstander suited to specialist, well-structured tanks. It can be kept in a small group with larger peaceful tetras. Soft-leaved plants may be grazed, so robust or artificial plants are preferable.