Abramites hypselonotus

Abramites hypselonotus – known as the marbled headstander or the high-backed headstander – is a member of the family Anostomidae^[3] of the order Characiformes.^[4] Under normal fish classifying rules, the marbled headstander would be classified as a surface dweller. In reality marbled headstanders – like all headstanders – inhabit the middle and lower portions of the aquarium.^[5] In the wild, head standers are often found face down, tail up in narrow vertical rocky fissures.^[6]

Abramites hypselonotus
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Characiformes
Family:	Anostomidae
Genus:	Abramites
Species:	A. hypselonotus
Binomial name
Abramites hypselonotus (Günther, 1868)
Synonyms[2]
Leporinus hypselonotus Günther, 1868 Leporinus solarii Holmberg, 1891 Abramites microcephalus Norman, 1926 Abramites ternetzi Norman, 1926 Leporinus nigripinnis Meinken, 1935

Description

In Bolivia

Marble headstanders are generally identified by their high-backs,^[7] pointed snout, diamond-shaped body, brown markings on pelvic fin, wavy dark brown bands, and a dark line at the base of the caudal peduncle. The marble headstanders full adult size is roughly 5 in (13 cm),^[5] on both sides. They are among the rarely introduced representatives of the Anostomidae and the males are more contrasted than the females.^[8]

Distribution and habitat

The marbled headstander generally inhabits streams and rivers of the Orinoco and Amazon river systems.^[5] Headstanders most commonly inhabit very fast flowing waters in rocky stretches of river.^[6]

Diet and feeding behaviour

The marble headstander is a predominantly herbivorous fish and as such should be given a high vegetation diet. In addition to processed food, it will readily accept (and probably enjoy) lettuce leaves, and peas. They will also accept mosquito larvae and bloodworms.^[6]

Aquarium care

In the aquarium, the marble headstander is known as a peaceful inhabitant. They are completely docile as juveniles both towards other fish and members of their own species. As they get older, they should be kept either as a single headstander or a group of seven or more in a tank as they tend to fight amongst themselves in smaller groups. They are still generally peaceful towards other fish.

Due to the high demand of plant food, robust plants have a small chance of survival due to the sprouting of shoots. A socialization should be done with other great tetras that have similar claims. Keep marble headstanders in a rocky, heavily planted aquarium for them to explore,^[6] too small aquariums lead to increased quarrels between conspecifics, which can be avoided by sufficiently offered hiding places with roots and stone structures, consisting of cracks and crevices.^[9] If there is not enough vegetation in its diet, it will devour aquarium plants. On the other hand, you can use this to your advantage if you want to set up a "self-sustaining aquarium", please keep in mind that this is not an easy task, do not just throw a bunch of plants in and think it will be fine.^[6]

Temperature, pH, and salinity

These fish can tolerate a pH from 6–7.5, but prefer slightly acidic water. They like soft water ranging from 2–15 dH, and require a temperature of 73–82 °F (23–28 °C).^[9]