Marbled Headstander

Abramites hypselonotus

Marbled Headstander is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a school of 8+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a school of 8+Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.5" (≤ 14 cm)
Aquarium size: 132 US gal (500 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 132 US gal (500 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Marbled Headstander is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 8+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 8+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Marbled Headstander should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 132 US gal (500 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of 8+.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Apollo’s Leporinus Leporinus apollo Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Black Banded Leporinus Leporinus fasciatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Banded Archerfish Toxotes jaculatrix Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 77–86°F (25–30°C) Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Black Ghost Knifefish Apteronotus albifrons Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 19.7" (≤ 50 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Marbled Headstander get?

Marbled Headstander reaches ≤ 5.5" (≤ 14 cm).

What aquarium size does Marbled Headstander need?

Use an aquarium of at least 132 US gal (500 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Marbled Headstander peaceful?

Yes. Marbled Headstander is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Marbled Headstander?

Keep it between 23 to 28 °C.

Should Marbled Headstander be kept alone or in a group?

Marbled Headstander: Keep in a school of 8+.