This pretty little fish is a challenge for experienced hobbyists. The species originates from Borneo. In contrast to the widespread prejudice halfbeaks of the genus Hemirhamphodon do not appear in brackish water; they are strictly bound to very soft and acidic water! These fishes are commonly found along with chocolate gouramis and small rasboras.
The other species of Hemirhamphodon are livebearers. Not so H. tengah: this is an egg-laying species. Breeding H. tengah is in most respects similar to breeding killifishes of the Apyhosemion-type. The females like to spawn in java moss, peat or in artificial breeding mops made of wool.
The fish are strictly surface-dwellers. They are not very demanding regarding food, but never take food from the bottom. So they should be fed with flakes and different types of live food. Small fruit flies (Drosophila) are a delicacy for Hemirhamphodon. Maximum length of the fish is about 6 cm.
For our customers: the fish have code 421552 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexikon. Hemirhamphodon: from ancient Greek, means about “with teeth on the halfbeak”. tengah: after the province Kalimantan tengah on Borneo, where the species has been collected initially.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
In order to inform you continuously about beautiful and interesting aquarium inhabitants, we have prepared some posts for later publication. This is one of them. Unfortunately the shown animals are already sold out, sorry.
