Wrestling Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusillus)

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Contents 1 Alternative names 1.1 Synonyms 2 Sexing 3 Origin 4 Breeding 5 Tank compatibility 6 Diet 7 Feeding regime 8 Environment Specifics 9 Behaviour 10 Identification 11 Pictures 12 External links

Alternative names

Wrestling Half Beak, Halfbeak, Malayan Halfbeak

Synonyms

Hemirhamphus pusillus

Sexing

Male has yellow on his tail as well as a modified pectoral fin, and females do not.

Origin

Found in slow-moving rivers, lakes and canals in Asia, from Thailand to Indonesia, including Myanmar, Bangladesh and India. Juveniles can be found in mangrove forests.

Breeding

Live bearers. Female will release fry after 3 months.

Tank compatibility

Do not keep more than one male Halfbeak per tank. Should otherwise be relatively peaceful and suitable to be housed with other peaceful community fish including Platys and Guppies.

Diet

Can be weaned to many different kinds of food, but enjoy brine shrimp, and small insects such as flies.

Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

Needs many hiding places on the top of the tank like floating plants (ex. Elodia). The tank should be long and spacious.

Behaviour

Mainly occupies the top levels of the tank. The males will fight to the death with other Halfbeaks. Females don't fight as much as males.

Identification

Looks like a Silver Needle Nose Gar, only much smaller, and only has half of a beak. A very slender and elongated fish.

Pictures

External links

• Fishbase
• Badmans Tropical Fish
• Mongabay