Platinum Half Beak (Dermogenys Pusilla)

A Surface-Dwelling Showpiece with a Silvery Sheen

The Platinum Half Beak (Dermogenys pusilla), also known as the Silver or Wrestling Halfbeak, is one of the most unique and fascinating livebearers available in the hobby. With its elongated lower jaw, sleek torpedo-shaped body, and shimmering platinum-silver colouration, this surface-dwelling species brings a truly distinctive look to any aquarium. Native to the slow-moving waters of Southeast Asia, the Platinum Half Beak is a hardy, characterful fish that occupies a niche few other species fill.

Watch them glide just below the surface, occasionally sparring jaw-to-jaw with tankmates in their signature "wrestling" behaviour — entertaining, harmless, and endlessly fascinating.

Overview

Appearance

The Platinum Half Beak has a slender, streamlined body with a distinctively elongated lower jaw — reminiscent of a miniature gar. The platinum variety displays a bright, silvery-white sheen across the body that catches the light beautifully at the water surface. Males are slightly smaller and more slender than females, which are noticeably rounder when gravid.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• Hardness: Adaptable — thrives in hard tap water; soft water may benefit from a small addition of aquarium salt
• Tank Size: 60 L (15 gallons) minimum; longer tanks preferred for surface swimming
• Brackish tolerance: Can be kept in weakly brackish water (SG up to 1.005)
• Lid: Essential — Halfbeaks are strong jumpers and will leap from open tanks
• Swimming zone: Strict surface dwellers — ideal for filling the top level of a community tank

Diet & Feeding

• Staple: Floating micro pellets or crushed flake food
• Treats: Small live or frozen foods such as fruit flies, baby brine shrimp, and daphnia — surface or floating foods strongly preferred

Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. As surface feeders, they may initially refuse sinking foods — stick to floating or slow-sinking options.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

• Small, peaceful community fish occupying mid and bottom levels
• Nano rasboras, small tetras, and corydoras
• Avoid large or aggressive species that may nip their elongated jaw
• Males can be kept together but may spar — provide space and visual breaks

Breeding

Livebearers that give birth to live fry. Females produce small broods every 4–6 weeks. Fry are born relatively large and can accept baby brine shrimp and micro foods from birth. Provide floating plants to give fry cover from adults.

The Platinum Half Beak is a truly one-of-a-kind surface fish — unusual, elegant, and full of personality. A perfect choice for aquarists looking to add something genuinely different to their community tank.