TankBud

Marbled headstander

Abramites hypselonotus

Also known as High Back Headstander

FreshwaterFish

Marbled headstander (Abramites hypselonotus)
Imperial Tropicals · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
68–86°F
20–30°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
5.5 in
14 cm
Minimum tank
70 gal
265 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Shoaling
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Anostomidae
Origin
South America

Overview

The marbled headstander is a mostly peaceful shoaling fish for a large tank. It is best kept by someone with a little experience.

Did you know

The marbled headstander usually hangs at a steep angle with its head pointed down, even when resting, which is where the headstander name comes from. The tilt lines its small mouth up with rocks and wood, so it can scrape food off surfaces other fish ignore.

Caring for the marbled headstander

Plan on a tank of at least 70 gal (265 L) for marbled headstanders, since they reach a fair size. Furnish it with driftwood, rockwork and hiding spots. Leave open water in the middle for swimming. They nip soft aquarium plants.

Keep the water soft to neutral, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They handle a wide temperature band, from 68 to 86°F (20 to 30°C). Marbled headstanders are omnivores that graze algae and plant matter. Feed algae wafers, blanched vegetables and softer plant foods, alongside some bloodworms or brine shrimp.

They can be territorial with their own kind, so keep a larger group rather than two or three, where one fish bullies the rest. Choose tank mates with some caution. Aquarium breeding is essentially unrecorded.

Good to know

The marbled headstander belongs to Anostomidae, the headstander family, and is also called the high back headstander. Its deep body and small, downturned mouth go with its head-down feeding posture. It is listed as Least Concern, though deforestation and pollution put longer-term pressure on its habitat.

In the wild

The marbled headstander lives in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, around submerged roots, branches and plants. There it picks at the growth on their surfaces.

Common questions

What size tank does a marbled headstander need?

A marbled headstander needs at least 70 gal (265 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a marbled headstander need?

A marbled headstander is comfortable at 68–86°F (20–30°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a marbled headstander eat?

A marbled headstander is an omnivore that grazes algae and plant matter. Feed it algae wafers, blanched vegetables and softer plant foods, with some bloodworms or brine shrimp.

How big does a marbled headstander get?

An adult marbled headstander reaches about 5.5 in (14 cm).

Does a marbled headstander need a group?

Yes. A marbled headstander is a shoaling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

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