Halfbeaks

[Steelviper]

Are halfbeaks for the most part brackish water fish? Celebes? wrestling? etc? And if so what specific gravity/salinity range would they do best?

 

[nmonks]

Celebes halfbeaks (Nomorhamphus liemi) and indeed most Nomorhamphus are freshwater fish. Most do best in slightly acidic, soft water conditions but adapt just fine to hard water. Of the species that prefer hard water, the only one traded is Nomorhamphus ebrardtii. It is also found in slightly brackish water, to around SG 1.003, maybe a little more. At least some of the other species can adapt to a little less saline conditions, though it probably isn't helping them any. I've seen Nomorhamphus liemi in a very low salinity system, for example, around SG 1.002. None of the Nomorhamphus are really "hardy", but in the right tank they are impressive fish. Males can be very aggressive though.

Wrestling halfbeaks, Dermogenys spp., are extremely adaptable, and while there are lots of species, all seem amenable to low end brackish conditions to around SG 1.005. Some may take more saline conditions: Dermogenys pusilla is said to be found in the sea, at least occasionally. In any case, these are the best halfbeaks for aquaria: they are hardy, comparatively long lived, and generally tolerant of one another, though the males will fight from time to time.

There are true brackish water halfbeaks in the trade, Zenarchopterus spp., such as Z. buffonis. These are big (15-20 cm) and sold as "river halfbeaks". They look like half-sized needlefish, but are nervous and easily alarmed by boisterous fish. Mix with gobies, flounders and other bottom dwellers. Not particularly delicate, provided they're not scared all the time! Anything from freshwater to seawater is acceptable. These halfbeaks are schooling fish and completely peaceful. River halfbeaks aren't common in the trade, but Keith at Wildwoods gets them in from time to time.

Cheers, Neale

Are halfbeaks for the most part brackish water fish? Celebes? wrestling? etc? And if so what specific gravity/salinity range would they do best?

 

[Steelviper]

Again thank you for your help. This forum is the best on the web.