Abramites eques, also known as headstander, picúo, or sardina, is a member of the family Anostomidae

Anostomidae

The Anostomidae are a family of ray-finned fishes that belong to the order Characiformes. Closely related to the Chilodontidae and formerly included with them, the Anostomidae contain over 140 described species...

 of the order Characiformes

Characiformes

The Characiformes are an order of ray-finned fish, comprising the characins and their allies. Grouped in 18 recognized families, there are a few thousand different species, including the well-known piranha and tetras.-Taxonomy:...

. This South America

South America

South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...

n fish, like its close cousin Abramites hypselonotus

Abramites hypselonotus

Abramites hypselonotus, or the marbled 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...

, adopts a head down swimming position due to its distinct feeding habits forced upon it by the locales it frequents.

Geographical distribution and Habitat

This fish inhabits the Magdalena River

Magdalena River

The Magdalena River is the principal river of Colombia, flowing northward about through the western half of the country. It takes its name from the biblical figure Mary Magdalene. It is navigable through much of its lower reaches, in spite of the shifting sand bars at the mouth of its delta, as...

 basin in Colombia

Colombia

Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...

. Like its cousin, Abramites hypselonotus

Abramites hypselonotus

Abramites hypselonotus, or the marbled 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...

, the picúo generally inhabits rocky, shallow, fast moving rivers and streams.

Diet, and feeding behaviour

A vegetable diet is best suited for the picúo. Algae wafers, pellets and high quality flake food can be given. Spinach and peas will also benefit the picúo.

Aquarium care

If any plants are added to the tank, the picúo will eat them. Hardy plants like Java fern should survive but no delicate species. Branches or roots should be added to the tank to provide hiding places for the fish and soft, acidic water should be provided. They can be an aggressive species so only keep with tank mates that can look after themselves.