This species of halfbeak from Sulawesi (formerly: Celebes) has been described scientifically only last year (2012). It can be distinguished most easily by the coloration from N. ebrardtii, a quite similar species (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/nomorhamphus-ebrardtii_de_1519.html). N. rex has yellow ventral fins, N. ebrardtii reddish-orange ones, N. rex has a red lower beak, the lower beak of N. ebrardtii has the same coloration as the body, and N. rex has black bordered fins, which is lacking in N. ebrardtii.
Of course there are a number of other differences, but these are not visible in life animals. The most important one is the different structure of the modified anal fin in males, which serves to the internal fertilization of the females. This fin is called andropodium and has a species-specific structure which usually also hinders the occurence of hybrids.
The livebearing halfbeaks are kept best in larger groups (10 specimens or more), then they are comparatively peaceful against each other. Feeding is easy, for the fish take readily flakes from the water surface. Additionally one should feed freeze-dried food items. The fish feed usually on sinking food only when they feel absolutely safe.
Water temperature should be between 24 and 28°C, neutral or slightly alcalic water (pH between 7 and 8.5) is the best choice. Maximum length for the females is around 6 cm, males always stay smaller.
For our customers: the fish have code 438863 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Nomorhamphus: means “with about equal beaks”. ebrardtii: dedication name for “Geheimrat” (= privy council) Ebrardt. rex: means “king”; the name has been chosen because the teeth of the fish remind one to the teeth of the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex.
Suggestion of a common name: Red-black halfbeak
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Indonesien / Indonesia |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 5-6 |
