How difficult is it to keep Wrestling Halfbeak?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Wrestling Halfbeak?

The ideal temperature for Wrestling Halfbeak is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Wrestling Halfbeak?

The average lifespan of Wrestling Halfbeak is 4-6 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Wrestling Halfbeak get?

Wrestling Halfbeak typically reaches About 5.5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Wrestling Halfbeak?

Wrestling Halfbeak feeds on: Drosophila fruit flies, Artemia, frozen bloodworm. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Wrestling Halfbeak?

The price of Wrestling Halfbeak varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Wrestling Halfbeak

Intermediate

Dermogenys pusilla

A livebearer with a distinctive mouth in which only the lower jaw is elongated. It lives entirely just under the surface, feeding on insects that fall in. Males lock jaws and push against each other, which gives it the name wrestling halfbeak.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

24〜28℃

Lifespan

4-6 years

Size

About 5.5cm

Diet

Drosophila fruit flies, Artemia, frozen bloodworm

About

Dermogenys pusilla is a livebearer widespread from South to Southeast Asia. Only its lower jaw is drawn out into a spear, the beloniform mouth, and it holds station just under the surface waiting for insects to fall. It lives in slow rivers, canals, ditches, flooded fields and lakes, favouring places with abundant surface vegetation, and appears in brackish mangrove areas in the rainy season. Seriously Fish gives 24-28C, pH 6.5-8.0, 10-20dGH and a 60 x 38cm tank of about 68 litres, noting that surface area matters more than depth. It is nervous and bolts when startled, easily damaging its delicate jaw tip against the glass, so plant densely around the edges and combine floating plants with a tight lid against jumping. Males lock jaws and push, the behaviour behind the English name, but serious injury is rare when there is space. Gestation runs three to six weeks depending on temperature. Stillbirths are common, and Seriously Fish links them to nutrition. IUCN status is Data Deficient.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Wrestling Halfbeak

The Wrestling Halfbeak lives 4-6 years.

Size of the Wrestling Halfbeak

The Wrestling Halfbeak grows to About 5.5cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Wrestling Halfbeak

The ideal temperature for the Wrestling Halfbeak is 24〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

South and Southeast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina, Malaysia, Indonesia)

Care Specifications

pH: 6.5–8
Hardness (GH): 10–20 dGH
Water Temp.: 24–28℃
Min. Tank: 68 L

PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate

Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Dermogenys pusilla Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1823

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN DD · Data Deficient

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.