Abramites hypselonotus are commonly called the Marbled headstanders.

BELOW: Video of Abramites hypselonotus in an aquarium.
Video taken 04/20/2006 with a Sony DSC-H1

BELOW: Images of a Abramites hypselonotus.

BELOW: Picture taken 04/20/2006 with a Sony DSC-H1 (No flash) f2.8 1/30 ISO 64

BELOW: Picture taken 04/20/2006 with a Sony DSC-H1 (No flash) f2.8 1/20 ISO 64

Geographical distribution and Habitat:
The marbled headstander generally inhabits streams and rivers of the Orinoco and Amazon river systems. Headstanders in general inhabit very fast flowing waters in rocky stretches of river.

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).

Distinguishing between sexes:
Unknown

Diet and feeding behavior:
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.

Aquarium care:
In the aquarium the marble headstander is generally a peaceful inhabitant despite its (extremely distant) relation to the piranha. 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).

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).

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