Abramites hypselonotus (Headstander)

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Medium-sized non-schooling characin with a diamond-shaped body, a large dorsal fin, and bold vertical bands across the flanks.

Fish information (behaviour and breeding):

Juveniles are peaceful and sociable among themselves but the adults are very territorial. This species is best kept singly in community tanks only with quiet species such as medium sized tetras, dwarf cichlids, and small catfish.

In common with other headstanders, this fish swims with the head downwards, and in the wild this enables the fish to hunt for insect larvae, small crustaceans, and green algae. It will eat soft-leaved plants so is best kept in a tank with large stones, bogwood, and sturdy plants such as Java ferns and Anubias.

Not bred in captivity.

Family Group:	Characins
Distribution	South America
Temperature	23-28C
Size	13 cm
Water Parameters	Soft, acid water preferred, but adaptable
Water PH	6.0-7.5

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Useful sources of information:

For a well illustrated and detailed reference guide on this and many other fish, consider the Baensch Aquarium Atlases. Volume 1 contains all the common species, and later volumes cover more unusual species. You can buy these books here.

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