Wrestling Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla) Care Guide

A surface-dwelling livebearer with a distinctive elongated lower jaw. Named for the males' habit of locking jaws and 'wrestling' each other.

Overview

Dermogenys pusilla is a species in the family Zenarchopteridae. A surface-dwelling livebearer with a distinctive elongated lower jaw. Named for the males' habit of locking jaws and 'wrestling' each other. Slender and fast, it spends most of its time at the water surface. Requires a tight-fitting lid as they are excellent jumpers.

Taxonomy

Family: Zenarchopteridae
Genus: Dermogenys
Scientific name: Dermogenys pusilla
Other names: Malayan Halfbeak
Origin: Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Thailand

Habitat

Dermogenys pusilla is a livebearing halfbeak from slow fresh and brackish surface waters of Malaysia, Thailand and the wider Malay region. It occupies the upper water column, where its elongated lower jaw helps it take insects and small prey from the surface.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 60 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 6.5-8
GH: 8-20 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 5-7 cm
Lifespan: 2-5 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 5
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Position in tank: top
Compatible tank mates: Corydoras, Kuhli Loach, Harlequin Rasbora
Avoid with: Other Surface Dwellers, Aggressive Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: live-bearer
Breeding difficulty: intermediate