Marbled headstander

Abramites hypselonotus

An arched back and oblique dark bars create a distinctive silhouette

A deep, compressed body rises behind a pointed head. Dark bars start just behind the head and vary among individuals.

Length and basis: About 15–20 cm in one source; SL/TL unstated
Reference temperature: 23–27 °C
Captive lifespan: Unknown (no verified lifespan adopted)
pH: 6–7.5 (source care reference)
Hardness: Unknown

A strong plant browser with active social disputes. Its appearance is not a reason to add it to a small planted aquarium.

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Appearance and identification

A. eques lacks the same anterior barring, with its first major body bar beneath the dorsal. A retailer’s synonym list conflicts with its own text; the taxonomic catalogue treats eques separately.

Same-species behaviour

Larger groups and aquaria can spread disputes; a retailer suggests eight or more, without a matching adult footprint.

Space requirements

Provide substantial mature space, shelter and an open swimming area. A defensible general minimum base remains unknown.

Diet and feeding

Combine plant-rich prepared foods with appropriate animal foods. Vegetable feeding does not guarantee untouched plants.

Compatibility limits

Avoid tiny, timid and trailing-finned companions. Observe within-species and between-species interactions separately.

Aquarium environment

Strong herbivory is reported; robust plants are not guaranteed protection.

Measurement notes and sources

Importer 15–20 cm and retailer maximum 14 cm are conflicting reports with no stated basis. Typical adult TL and sprite length remain unknown.

www.aquariumglaser.de ↗ 2026-10-22

www.fishkeeper.co.uk ↗ 2026-10-22

researcharchive.calacademy.org ↗ 2026-10-22

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22