Abramites hypselonotus

Abramites hypselonotus, known as the marbled headstander or the high-backed headstander, is a member of the family Anostomidae of the order Characiformes. Under normal fish classifying rules, you would gather from its upturned mouth and long streamlined body, that the marbled headstander is a surface dweller. In reality marbled headstanders, like all headstanders, inhabit the middle and lower portions of the aquarium.[1] In the wild, head standers are often found face down, tail up in narrow vertical rocky fissures.[2]

Abramites hypselonotus
Abramites hypselonotus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Characiformes
Family:	Anostomidae
Genus:	Abramites
Species:	A. hypselonotus
Binomial name
Abramites hypselonotus (Günther, 1868)

Characteristics

Marble headstanders are generally identified by their high-backed headstander,[3] 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" (13 cm),[1] on both sides, they are among the rarely introduced representatives of the Anostomidae and the males are more contrasted than the females.[4]

Distribution and habitat

The marbled headstander generally inhabits streams and rivers of the Orinoco and Amazon river systems.[1] Headstanders in general inhabit very fast flowing waters in rocky stretches of river.[2]

Diet and feeding behaviour

The marble headstander is a predominately herbivorous fish and as such should be given a high vegetation diet. In addition to processed food, they will readily accept, and probably enjoy lettuce leaves, and peas. They will also accept mosquito larvae and bloodworms.[2]

Aquarium care

In the aquarium the marble headstander is generally a peaceful inhabitant. They are completely docile as juveniles both towards other fish and members of their own species. Once older keep either 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,[2] 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.[5] 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.[2]

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).[5]

References

Notes

Citations

1. Mills, Dick (1993). Aquarium fish. Photos by Jerry Young (1st American ed.). New York: Dorling Kindersley. p. 84. ISBN 1564582930. OCLC 27679009.
2. Bailey, Mary (2 January 2015). The ultimate encyclopedia of aquarium fish & fish care: a definitive guide to identifying and keeping freshwater and marine fishes. Wigston, Leicestershire. p. 187. ISBN 9781780193410. OCLC 890938393.
3. Dawes, John; Beer, Amy Jane; Alderton, David (2005). Animal Fact Files: Fish (1st ed.). London: Greenwich Editions. ISBN 0862887747. OCLC 71766903.
4. Meyer, Rolf (1989). Aquarienfische (1st ed.). Leipzig: Bibliographisches Institut. p. 9. ISBN 3323002792. OCLC 22763526.
5. Riehl, Rüdiger (1996). Aquarium Atlas, Band 3 (in German). 3rd (1st ed.). Melle, Germany: Steven Simpson Books. p. 100. ISBN 3882440538. OCLC 35656300.