Half Beak

Originally found in Thailand and Malaysia, the Half Beak, Dermogenys pusillus was first described by Van Hasselt in 1823. A unique, top water swimmer, the Half Beak gets its name from the long extension on the lower jaw that sticks out like a beak. A somewhat timid fish, it prefers to live in the floating plants eating small insect larvae. The body is almost transparent with a silver body cavity. The tail has a touch of yellow and the male will have red fringes on the tail fin. The male also has a modified anal fin called an andropodium that is used during fertilization of the female. The Half Beak is a live bearer and the female should give birth 20 to 60 days after fertilization. It is important to place floating plants along the perimeter of the tank to avoid having a startled Half Beak darting into the glass and breaking its “beak”. The Half Beak will usually adapt to meaty prepared foods, but be careful to make sure they do not jump out when the top of the aquarium is open. The Half Beak can tolerate up to one tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons.