All fish / Anostomidae

Marbled Headstander

Abramites hypselonotus

Also known as high-backed headstander, marbled headstander, abramites, headstander, banded headstander, アブラミテス, 高背倒立鱼

This is a deep-bodied South American characin with a high back, silvery body and bold dark bands. It swims at a head-down angle while grazing, which gives it its common name and makes it an unusual centrepiece for larger community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a group of 5 or more; small groups fight

Diet

Omnivore: vegetable matter such as blanched spinach and algae wafers, plus sinking pellets, bloodworm and brine shrimp

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon, Orinoco and Paraguay-Paraná basins (Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Paraguay, Argentina)

Breeding

It is rarely bred in home aquariums. Most fish in the trade are wild-caught or commercially farmed, and the details of spawning in captivity are poorly recorded.

Good to know

Adults can become quarrelsome with each other and may nip long-finned tankmates, and they will eat soft plants. Use a covered tank, as they can jump.