Water parameters
Overview
The marbled headstander is recognized by its markedly high back and the dark vertical bands on its light brown-silvery body; its fins are also dark-spotted and marbled. Like other headstanders, it tilts its head down while feeding and picks up food from the substrate or roots. It reaches 12–14 cm and can live for many years.
Tank Setup
- At least 200 liters for a single fish; 100–120 cm length.
- 23–27°C, pH 6–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.
- Sand substrate, roots and rocks; live plants may be eaten.
- Good filtration and weekly water changes.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding mainly on plant matter. Spirulina tablets and granules, blanched spinach, zucchini and peas, as well as frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp, are suitable.
Behavior and Compatibility
Cranky toward its own kind; it is usually kept singly. It is mostly calm toward other species but may pick at the fins of slow, long-finned fish.
Good companions: sturdy species of similar size: barbs, large tetras, plecos, Synodontis, peaceful medium-sized cichlids.
Avoid: long-finned species, shrimp, planted tanks.
A short profile for this species
The Marbled Headstander page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.
Tank mates
This list is calculated automatically from the species profile and grows as new species are added to the catalog. Try it in the planner for a definite answer.
Usually compatible
Emerald Betta
Firemouth Cichlid
Cupid Cichlid
Buffalohead Cichlid
Chocolate Cichlid
Geophagus surinamensis
Rainbow Cichlid
Gymnogeophagus balzanii
Pearl Cichlid
Should not be kept together
Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026