Origins and Classification
- Scientific Name: Dermogenys pusilla (commonly known as the Wrestling Halfbeak or Malayan Halfbeak)
- Family: Hemiramphidae (Halfbeaks)
- Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where they inhabit slow-moving rivers, estuaries, and brackish lagoons.
- Popularity: Highly distinctive for their elongated lower jaw and surface-dwelling behavior, Halfbeaks are fascinating fish that bring uniqueness and movement to aquariums.
🎨 Appearance
- Color: Silvery body with a subtle greenish or bluish sheen, sometimes featuring red or orange highlights on fins (especially males).
- Structure:
- Slim, elongated body built for gliding along the water surface.
- The lower jaw is much longer than the upper, forming a beak-like mouth.
- Transparent or slightly tinted fins with delicate detailing.
- Size: Grows up to 2.5–3 inches (6–8 cm) on average.
- Lifespan: 3–5 years with good care and stable conditions.
🏡 Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (long tank preferred to allow surface swimming).
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 7.0–8.0
- Hardness: 10–20 dGH
- Salinity: Can tolerate slightly brackish water (optional: 1 tsp marine salt per 5 gallons).
- Lighting: Moderate; enhances their reflective, silvery tone.
- Substrate: Fine gravel or sand.
- Habitat Setup:
- Add floating plants (like Water Lettuce, Amazon Frogbit, or Duckweed) for cover.
- Maintain a tight-fitting lid — Halfbeaks are jumpers!
- Ensure gentle filtration; they dislike strong currents.
- Keep open surface space for natural swimming behavior.
