Wrestling Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla)
Wrestling Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla) – Unique Surface-Dweller with Intriguing Behavior
Bring a truly distinctive presence to your freshwater aquarium with the Wrestling Halfbeak. Known for their elongated lower jaw and surface-dwelling habits, these livebearers are a fascinating addition to peaceful community tanks and species-focused setups alike.
Key Features:
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Slender, silver body with an extended lower jaw – a signature halfbeak trait
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Peaceful to mildly territorial, especially males during displays or sparring
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Surface-oriented swimmers that prefer calm, well-covered aquariums
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Livebearers with unique reproductive behavior and occasional “wrestling” displays
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Best kept in groups with a higher ratio of females to reduce male competition
Care Tips:
Dermogenys pusilla thrives in aquariums with gentle flow, floating plants, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping. These fish prefer soft to slightly brackish water but can adapt to a variety of conditions with proper acclimation. Feed them a varied diet of floating foods such as high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and small live or frozen insects.
With their sleek appearance, unusual feeding habits, and entertaining social behavior, Wrestling Halfbeaks make a captivating addition to any aquarist's collection of oddball or surface-dwelling species.
This beautiful livebearing fish has very vibrant platimum/silver colors and an eye-catching mouth. They are carnivores and can be fed a mixture of live or frozen foods as well as flakes.
This oddball livebearer is super popular for its unique look and snout looking mouth. Though timid at first, they will become lively fish after adjusting to their new surroundings and can be kept in varying pH/water hardness levels and fresh to slightly brackish water!
Size is about half an inch to 1 inch.
Also known as the Malayan Halfbeak, Platinum Halfbeak or Silver Halfbeak Livebearer.
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Nicest fish
Both arrived live and well a bit smaller than expected but great selection. Instantly coped with their new home highly recommended
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Wrestling Halfbeak
Good fast shipping and packaging, including the size bags used. The only thing I was a bit disappointed with was; my order was only 5 wrestling and 5 forest halfbeaks. At the juvenile size I got, you cannot tell them apart. Since their water parameters are very different, it would've been nice if they marked the bags which was which. I've had wrestling before so I hope I guessed correctly. The forest halfbeaks don't seem quite as bright silver. And I know the red markings on wrestling fins. Hopefully I guessed right.
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Wrestling halfbeak
I ordered three of the wrestling halfbeaks. I expected a delay in shipping, but they came the next day. They were all very healthy and are in their new home now. I am really enjoying their different look, and I needed some top Swimmers. Super cool little fish.
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Wrestling halfbeak
I ordered three of the wrestling halfbeaks. I expected a delay in shipping, but they came the next day. They were all very healthy and are in their new home now. I am really enjoying their different look, and I needed some top Swimmers. Super cool little fish.
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Wrestling Halfbeaks
I am seriously addicted to these fish. So I ordered 10 more. The prices are good. The shipping was perfect. I asked to have them bagged individually. They did everything I asked. Communication with them by email and phone was great also. I'll definitely order from here again. Thank you Petzone!
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Wrestling halfbeaks
The order came in very fast and on time. Down to within a half hour of when it initially said it would be delivered it was. However, sadly my 3 wrestling halfbeaks were not able to make the trip. They were all dead by the time I opened the box. Thank you
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Wrestling halfbeaks
Came in stressed, but alive.. ordered more. Happy with my purchase
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Order
Great quality and fast delivery excellent service
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Unique addition to community tank.
This fish is fun to watch. He's a delicate fish, much smaller than I expected. Arrived alive and is healthy and peaceful.
