Wrestling Halfbeak

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment2–4 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Swim bladder disorder

The Wrestling Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla) comes from fresh and slightly brackish waters across South East Asia and reaches about 5 to 7 cm, females larger than males. It is a livebearer despite looking nothing like a guppy, and it lives right at the surface, taking insects that land on the water. Males engage in prolonged jaw-locking contests that are ritualised rather than damaging. A group needs a wide, shallow tank of 80 litres or more at 24-28C, hard alkaline water at pH 7.2 to 8.2, with floating plants, gentle flow and a tight lid. Feed floating foods and small live or frozen items, including daphnia, wingless fruit flies, mosquito larvae and small frozen bloodworm; it will usually ignore anything that sinks. Two practical points: the long lower jaw is fragile and can be injured by panicked dashes into the glass, so approach the tank calmly and avoid bare, brightly lit setups, and females carrying young are easily stressed. It suits a quiet surface-focused tank rather than a busy community.

• How active is a Wrestling Halfbeak?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Wrestling Halfbeak need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Wrestling Halfbeak need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Wrestling Halfbeak a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Wrestling Halfbeak live?

  2–4 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Wrestling Halfbeak?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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