Wrestling Halfbeak

Wrestling Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla)

Named for the fascinating sparring behaviour of the males, the Wrestling Halfbeak is a captivating and unique livebearer that brings personality and movement to any aquarium. With their distinctive elongated lower jaw and sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies, these fish are a conversation starter — and watching two males "wrestle" jaw-to-jaw is a spectacle unlike anything else in the hobby.

Fish Details

• Adult Size: 5–7 cm (2–2.75 inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful with other species; males may spar with each other (rarely causing harm)
• Diet: Carnivore — prefers live and frozen foods such as fruit flies, small insects, baby brine shrimp, and micro worms; may accept floating flake or pellet food
• Lifespan: 2–3 years
• Breeding: Livebearer — females give birth to free-swimming fry

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 60 L (15 gallons)
• Water Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH: 7.0–8.0
• Water Hardness: Moderately hard to hard
• Surface Space: Important — Wrestling Halfbeaks are surface dwellers and need open surface area to swim and feed

Compatibility

• Best kept in groups with one male and multiple females to reduce male-on-male sparring
• Peaceful with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates
• Avoid fin-nipping species — their long lower jaw can be vulnerable
• Great companions for other surface-dwelling or mid-water community fish

Care Tips

• Keep the tank covered — Wrestling Halfbeaks are skilled jumpers
• Floating plants like frogbit or water lettuce help them feel secure and reduce stress
• Offer a varied diet with live or frozen foods for best health and colouration
• Gentle filtration is preferred to avoid strong currents at the surface

A truly unique livebearer with character to spare — the Wrestling Halfbeak is a rewarding fish for aquarists looking for something a little different.