Abramites hypselonotus
Species of fish
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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, headstanders are often found face down, tail up in narrow vertical rocky fissures.[6]
| Abramites hypselonotus | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Division: | Teleostei |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Anostomidae |
| Genus: | Abramites |
| Species: | A. hypselonotus |
| Binomial name | |
| Abramites hypselonotus (Günther, 1868) | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
Description
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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 headstander's 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
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.[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]