Beautiful but Jerk(ish) Anostomus & other HEADSTANDERS

[FJB]

Yeah, the Abramites certainly go in the jerkish and headstanding categories as well.
I had one of those years ago. A very interesting fish.
Streaming fins as in geos, angels or anything like that tempt the jerks beyond their minimal self-control.
Good for your Geos!

 

[robmcd]

The jerk in question.

 

[FJB]

Beautiful fish. It still looks young.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[james99]

I also have a pretty good sized Abramites hypselonotus. He's in a 125 with about 12 mascara barbs. I haven't seen the jerkiness, mine is more shy than anything. I would like to find a few more that are close in size to see how a group works.

 

[FJB]

Very cool, thanks for sharing.
A couple of times I have seen groups (at good fish stores) among recent arrivals, and these have been small (young) fish. I have also seen groups of Anostomus a couple of times. In all those, I have not seen much evidence of serious aggression (in the short period I could observe them). It is very possible that in larger groups the aggression can be prevented.
With Anostomus, the second time I have them (since ~3.5 years ago), I started with 3 fish, and one was quickly killed in aggression with the others. The two left fought without stop, so I had to find a home (gave away) one of them. The one left is my beloved jerk. He is currently in a mixed tank and has been behaving quite well (photo).
Would you post pictures of your large Abramites? Cheers!