Wrestling Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla)

Scientific Name(s): Dermogenys pusilla, Dermogenys burmanicus, Dermogenys siamensis

 

Common Name(s): Wrestling Halfbeak, Malayan Halfbeak

 

Family: Hemirampidae

 

Species Type: Livebearers

 

Maximum Size: 3 inches

 

Life Span: 6 years

 

Natural Habitat: Asian flood plains

 

Minimum Tank Size: 29 gallons

 

Tank Region: Upper half of tank

 

Possible Tank Mates: This fish is really suited for a species only environment. It will eat most fish that are smaller than it and will be stressed by fish larger than it.

 

Description: The wrestling halfbeak is a very interesting fish with a long "beak" and silver and red coloring. Halfbeaks are extremely nervous, so not clean the algae from the back and sides of the tank as this helps calm the fish. Floating plants can also help calm this fish. The use of opaque glass can help if algae is not growing readily on the clear glass. This fish does best in brackish water with a specific gravity of 1.008-1.018, although in the wild it is occasionally found in pure freshwater or coastal reefs. Brackish water is necessary for the long term survival of this fish.

 

Temperature Range 74°F - 82°F

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pH Range 6.8 - 8.2

pH 5.0

pH 6.0

pH 7.0

pH 8.0

pH 9.0

 

Hardness 10° - 20°

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Breeding Information: Even though this is a livebearer, it is difficult to breed this fish in captivity. The halfbeak does not fare well in captivity and this makes breeding them challenging.

 

Sexing Information: Males have a modified anal fin called a gonopodium and females tend to be larger.

 

Diet: Carnivorous - does well with a meaty flake food.

 

Temperment: Generally peaceful, but males may compete with one another when females are present.

 

Common Diseases: None specific to species

 

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Wrestling Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla)