Intermediate
Malayan Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla)
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 80L
£5.99
Specialist Sulawesi surface livebearer for mature, covered aquariums with clean oxygen-rich water, calm tank mates and small surface foods.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Nomorhamphus celebensis
Celebes Halfbeak are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour. Larger shoals stay calmer, eat better, and look stunning.
Specialist Sulawesi surface livebearer for mature, covered aquariums with clean oxygen-rich water, calm tank mates and small surface foods.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Celebes Halfbeak (Nomorhamphus celebensis), also known as the Poso Halfbeak, is a specialist surface-dwelling livebearer from the Lake Poso tributary system of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It has the classic halfbeak profile, a slim body, an extended lower jaw and a calm but constantly alert way of patrolling the top of the aquarium.
This refresh keeps the useful care depth from the older page while removing the forced keyword wording. SKU 6301 is the 3.5-5 cm Petra form of Nomorhamphus celebensis; the exact Petra source photo is being added to the gallery so the listing, image, care facts and Shopify product all stay tied to the same fish.
| Product | Celebes Halfbeak |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Nomorhamphus celebensis |
| Also known as | Poso Halfbeak, Black Celebes Halfbeak |
| Supplier size | 3.5-5 cm |
| Adult size | Plan for around 6-8 cm; females can be larger than males |
| Care level | Moderate: clean, oxygen-rich water and calm tank mates are important |
| Temperament | Peaceful for a halfbeak, active and best kept in a group |
| Minimum aquarium | 75 litres for a small group; a longer covered aquarium is better |
| Temperature | 22-26 C as the safe aquarium range; cooler, well-oxygenated water is preferable to overheated tanks |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 is a sensible target; stable slightly alkaline water suits this species well |
| Hardness | 5-15 dGH, with stability more important than chasing a number |
| Diet | Small surface foods, live/frozen invertebrates and quality flake or micro pellets |
| Tank region | Surface and upper water |
FishBase lists Nomorhamphus celebensis as a freshwater pelagic halfbeak endemic to tributaries of Lake Poso in Indonesia, with a maximum recorded size of 8 cm SL. Aquarium Glaser also notes that these fish are associated with clean running waters around the Poso system rather than warm, still lake water, which is useful for aquarium care. Think clean water, oxygen, surface space and a secure lid.
In the aquarium, Celebes Halfbeaks spend most of their time near the surface. They are interesting because they are unusual without being aggressive show-offs. Males may display, and females are usually fuller-bodied, but this is generally a peaceful species when it is not crowded or forced to compete with pushy surface feeders. Keep them in a small group so they can settle and behave naturally.
Use a mature, well-filtered aquarium with open surface room, gentle to moderate flow and plenty of cover around the edges. Floating plants, Vallisneria, Java fern, Cryptocoryne, smooth wood and rounded stones all work well. The aim is not a bare current tank; it is a stable stream-style layout with oxygen, cover and calm swimming space.
A tight lid is essential. Halfbeaks live at the air-water boundary and can jump when startled, especially during feeding or when chased. Avoid tiny tanks, unstable new aquariums and uncovered layouts. A longer 75 litre or larger aquarium gives them space to cruise the surface and keeps water conditions steadier.
The older listing used a broad 22-26 C range, which is still a practical aquarium guide, but the important point is clean, well-oxygenated water. Do not keep this species too hot simply because Sulawesi sounds tropical. Aim for stable conditions around 22-26 C, pH 7.0-8.0 and moderate hardness. Regular water changes, mature filtration and steady oxygenation matter more than constant adjustment.
Celebes Halfbeaks are surface-feeding insectivore-leaning livebearers. Offer small floating or slowly sinking foods they can take at the surface: quality flakes, micro pellets, daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae and other small frozen or live foods. Feed modest portions so the fish are not outcompeted and leftovers do not spoil the water.
Choose calm fish that do not harass the surface. Peaceful livebearers, small rainbowfish, gentle rasboras, suitable tetras and peaceful bottom dwellers can work if they share the same water conditions. Avoid large predators, fin nippers, aggressive cichlids and very fast surface-feeding fish. Very small fry or tiny shrimp may be eaten.
Nomorhamphus celebensis is viviparous, so females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Aquarium Glaser notes that adults may eat the young, so dense planting and a careful fry plan matter if you are trying to breed them. Pregnant females should be handled gently and not moved at the last moment, because stress can cause problems.
This is a good choice for aquarists who enjoy unusual livebearers and have a settled, covered aquarium. It is not the best choice for a chaotic community tank or a brand-new setup, but in the right conditions it becomes a graceful, unusual surface fish with real character.
When available, Celebes Halfbeaks are sent using our live animal courier process and covered by the Tropical Fish Co Live Arrival Guarantee. First-time customers can use WELCOME10 where eligible. After delivery, keep the room calm, dim the aquarium lights and acclimate slowly before release. Offer small foods once the fish have settled rather than rushing the first feed.
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