Abramites hypselonotus

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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)[1]

Abramites hypselonotus, or the marbled 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.^[2] In the wild, head standers are often found face down, tail up in narrow vertical rocky fissures.^[3]

Geographical distribution and habitat

The marbled headstander generally inhabits streams and rivers of the Orinoco and Amazon river systems.^[4] Headstanders in general inhabit very fast flowing waters in rocky stretches of river.^[3]

Physical description

Marble headstanders are generally identified by their 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).^[4]

Distinguishing between sexes

Unknown

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.^[3]

Aquarium care

In the aquarium the marble headstander is generally a peaceful inhabitant despite its (extremely distant) relation to the pirahna. 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.
Keep marble headstanders in a rocky, heavily planted aquarium with many cracks and crevices for them to explore. Note: 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 this is not an easy task. Do not just throw a bunch of plants in and think it will be fine).^[3]

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

1. ^ http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=163179
2. ^ Eyewitness Handbooks Aquarium Fish The visual guide to more than 500 marine and freshwater fish varieties, by Dick Mills copyright 1993 page 84
3. ^ ^{a b c d} The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Aquarium Fish & Fish Care, by Mary Bailey & Gina Sandford copyright 1999 page 187
4. ^ ^{a b} Eywitness Handbooks Aquarium Fih The visual guide to more than 500 marine and freshwater fish varieties, by Dick Mills copyright 1993 page 84
5. ^ http://fish.mongabay.com/curimatidae.htm