Family: Hemiramphidae
Distribution: Dermogenys pusillus, better known as Wrestling Halfbeak, is found in Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Bangladesh and India. It is distributed in medium-large rivers and stagnant waters, particularly in areas that have floating plants.
PH: 7.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75 – 84F)
Hardness: 9 – 19 dH
Description: Dermogenys pusillus can reach up to 16 cm in length. This slender, elongated species has the appearance of a Silver Needle Nose Gar, if it were shrunken. Males have yellow aspects to their tail and a modified pectoral fin, and a gonopodium which it uses to inseminate the female. Females are duller in colouration and lack the yellow aspects and modified pectoral fin. It is called a “Halfbeak” thanks to an elongated lower jaw, while the “wrestling” name is attributed to the males and their propensity to lock jaws and fight.
Diet: Dermogenys pusillus is a carnivore and will enjoy mosquito larvae, bloodworms, insects, brine shrimp and crustaceans. In an aquarium environment, however, you will find this species accepts most foods.
Breeding: This live-bearing species will require good food for effective spawning. The gestation period will last around eight weeks. The fry is usually high in numbers and will accept flake food; the fry will also be born without a beak. The beak will develop in time, however.
Comments: The Wrestling Halfbeak will need plenty of area in its tank. You should put in a host of floating plants and roots that reach the surface; the females will appreciate these areas when spawning occurs. This species should be tanked in an aquarium of at least 25 gallons in volume. This species may seem easy to look after – it is able to live in fresh, brackish and salt water – but it is reportedly tricky to look after. It is recommended to those with some experience in the hobby.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Dermogenys pusillus can be kept in a community tank with other non-aggressive species. They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates. Males can be territorial; be wary if housing Dermogenys pusillus in a one-species tank. Avoid keeping more than one male in a tank.
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