Malayan Halfbeak – The Quirky Surface Dweller with a Smile

Looking for something a little different to add to your aquarium? Meet the Malayan Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla) — a slender, surface-dwelling fish with a fascinating jaw structure and quirky personality. With their peaceful nature and unique appearance, these little livebearers bring charm and surface activity to any well-planted tank.

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? Species Overview

• Common Name: Malayan Halfbeak, Wrestling Halfbeak

• Scientific Name: Dermogenys pusilla

• Origin: Southeast Asia – Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia

• Size: 2–3 inches

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperament: Generally peaceful, but males may spar

• Diet: Carnivorous surface feeder

• Tank Level: Top dweller

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? Distinctive Appearance

Malayan Halfbeaks are easily recognized by their elongated lower jaw, which gives them a beak-like profile. Their slender, torpedo-shaped body and silvery, sometimes iridescent scales make them an eye-catching addition to the top layer of your aquarium. Males often display bright red, yellow, or orange coloration on their fins, especially when courting or sparring.

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?‍♂️ Behavior & Social Dynamics

These fish are generally peaceful and best kept in small groups with a single male and multiple females to prevent male-on-male aggression. Males sometimes "wrestle" for dominance, hence the nickname Wrestling Halfbeak — but in well-structured tanks with hiding spots, this behavior is usually harmless.

Good Tank Mates:

• Rasboras

• Tetras

• Corydoras

• Small Gouramis

• Shrimp (with caution — very small shrimp may be eaten)

Avoid aggressive or fast-swimming fish that may outcompete them for food or stress them.

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? Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small group

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Decor: Floating plants, driftwood, gentle flow

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 74–82°F

  • pH: 6.5–7.5

  • Soft to moderately hard water

• Lighting: Moderate

• Lid Required: Yes — they are skilled jumpers!

Floating vegetation like frogbit or water lettuce helps them feel secure and mimics their natural habitat.

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?️ Feeding

Malayan Halfbeaks are carnivorous surface feeders with small upturned mouths, perfect for snapping up floating prey.

Best Foods:

• Live or frozen brine shrimp

• Daphnia

• Mosquito larvae

• Micro worms

• High-quality floating micro pellets

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Because of their surface feeding habits, avoid sinking foods that they’ll ignore.

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? Livebearer Breeding

Malayan Halfbeaks are livebearers, meaning females give birth to free-swimming fry. Breeding them is possible in aquariums with stable conditions, good water quality, and plenty of cover.

Gestation typically lasts 3–4 weeks, and females can produce up to a dozen fry. Provide fine-leaved plants or floating cover to protect newborns from hungry adults.

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✅ Why Choose Malayan Halfbeaks?

✔ Unique jaw structure and surface activity
✔ Peaceful and community-friendly (with the right tank mates)
✔ Fun breeding potential
✔ Perfect for biotope or blackwater setups