Marbled Headstander

Abramites hypselonotus

Marbled Headstander is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate

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

Need help with Marbled Headstander?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

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: 68–86°F (20–30°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 1–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

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 20–30 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 1–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Marbled Headstander is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

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.

Feeding

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

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.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

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 ≤ 5.3" (≤ 13.4 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Black Banded Leporinus Leporinus fasciatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 10.6" (≤ 27 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°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) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) African Spottail Tetra Brachypetersius altus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°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 20 to 30 °C.