Abramites hypselonotus
| 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, also called the marbled headstander or the high-backed 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]
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]
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]
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. 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
- ↑ http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=163179
- ↑ Eyewitness Handbooks Aquarium Fish The visual guide to more than 500 marine and freshwater fish varieties, by Dick Mills copyright 1993 page 84
- 1 2 3 4 The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Aquarium Fish & Fish Care, by Mary Bailey & Gina Sandford copyright 1999 page 187
- 1 2 Eyewitness Handbooks Aquarium Fih The visual guide to more than 500 marine and freshwater fish varieties, by Dick Mills copyright 1993 page 84
- ↑ http://fish.mongabay.com/curimatidae.htm