Malayan Halfbeak

COMMON NAMES: Malayan Halfbeak

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Dermogenys pussilus

SYNONYM: Herniramphus fluviatilis

DESIGNATION: Tropical but will tolerate 'cool' tropcal temperatures and the 'warmer' end of the coldwater range.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Widely distributed in the Far East.

SIZE: Makes up to about 6 cm (2.5 in.) and females around 8cm (3.2 in.).

WATER PREFERENCES: NOt too critical but one teaspoonful of salt per gallon (4.5 litres) is preferred. Temperature range 20-30 °C (68-86°F) and even slightly higher.

DIET: Will Eat a range of floating foods which must consist predominantly of livefoods.

BREEDING: Not an easy species to breed. When birth is imminent, the embryos' eyes can be seen through the wall of the female's abdomen. Cannibalism of fry may be reduced by isolating a pregnant female is a shallow, densely plnted tank. If the breeding temperature is allowed to drop below around 28°C (82°F), deformed fry may result. Up to 40 relatively large (c. 1 cm) fry can be produced by a large female every 4-8 weeks (depending on temperature).

DESCRIPTION: Male Dermogeny pusillus are very aggressive towards one another and often engage in wrestling matches by locking their jaws and twisting hence the common name for this species. This aggressive streak is exploited in Thailand matched against each other. these contests can reportedly, last forup to 20 minutes but injuries are rarely serious.