Marbled Headstander, also known as High-backed Headstander, is a type of fish that belongs to the Anostomidae family and Characiformes order.
Even though it’s usually considered a surface dweller, it actually lives in the middle and lower parts of aquariums.
In nature, Marbled Headstanders are known for their unique behavior of standing on their heads with their tails up in tight spaces between rocks.
They eat worms, crustaceans, insects, and plants. People often catch and eat them locally.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Marbled Headstander Interesting Facts
- Marbled Headstanders swim in the middle and lower parts of aquariums, despite being considered surface dwellers.
- These fish perform a unique “head standing” behavior between rocks in nature.
- They thrive in South American freshwater habitats with pH levels between 6.0 to 7.5 and temperatures between 73.4°F to 80.6°F (23°C to 27°C).
- These fish grow up to 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters) long, and they breed in areas full of dense aquatic plants.
Marbled Headstander Habitat
Marbled Headstander is found in South America, specifically in the Orinoco, Amazon, Paraguay, and lower Paraná River basins.
It lives in freshwater and swims near the water’s surface. Marbled Headstander prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and a dH range of up to 18.
Its ideal water temperature is between 73.4°F to 80.6°F (23°C to 27°C). This fish thrives in tropical conditions.
| Water Temperature: | 73.4°F to 80.6°F (23°C to 27°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 7.5 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Marbled Headstander Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters)
Marbled Headstander grows up to 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters) long.
This is measured using the standard length method, which measures from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail base.
Marbled Headstander Reproduction
Marbled Headstanders form clear couples to reproduce.
When breeding, they form pairs and lay eggs in areas full of dense aquatic plants.
Marbled Headstander Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Anostomidae |
| Genus: | Abramites |
| Scientific Name: | Abramites hypselonotus |
| Also Known As: | Marbled Headstander, High-backed Headstander |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |