Marbled Headstander

Abramites hypselonotus

Also known as: High-backed Headstander, Marbled Leporinus

A high-backed, banded headstander that swims tilted downward as it picks at surfaces.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

73–81°F

pH

6–7.5

Hardness

2–15 dGH

Max size

5.5 in

Min tank

55 gal

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Social

Solitary

Swim level

Mid-bottom

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

5-10 years

Breeding

Egg-scatterer

Suitability

Intermediate

Origin

Amazon, Orinoco and Parana-Paraguay basins, South America

Best kept singly, since it grows quarrelsome with its own kind in home tanks. Nips fins and eats soft plants, so pair it with robust, similar-sized fish and hardy or fake plants. Feed plenty of vegetable matter alongside meaty foods.