“head standing” an instinctive defensive position???

[Magnum Man28 142]

so, there are fish affectionately known as “head standers” , but I’m raising several smaller fish, that seem to adopt that position a lot… the little Leporinus granti, do that. but since they are new to me, I just assumed they may have been from the family of “head standers”… but the fingering Crossocheilus reticulatus, seem to often take that position, though they just as often swim normally, or the opposite position of a 45 degree angle nose up… wondering if this is a defensive position young fish have instincts for, making them appear smaller, from above or below??? I seem to notice it more, with young long thin body fish….

thoughts???

 

[GaryE27 142]

Leporinus I've watched all do this. I don't think we can generalize about it being a defensive pose, as for every species I've seen do this, many many more haven't.

I don't know Crossocheilus to speculate but it could be simple convergent evolution.