Liemi Halfbeak (Nomorhamphus liemi)

Liemi Halfbeak (Nomorhamphus liemi) is a colourful Sulawesi surface livebearer with the distinctive halfbeak shape, lively top-water behaviour and a specialist feeding style built around insects and small foods taken at the surface.

Choose from the 3.5–5 cm and 6–10 cm dispatch size grades in the selector. These are approximate sizes at dispatch, rather than adult-size guarantees. Sex is not specified by these size options.

Quick Facts

Natural Habitat and Behaviour

FishBase places Nomorhamphus liemi in south Sulawesi and lists it as a freshwater, surface-associated halfbeak that feeds mainly on flying insects. Aquarium Glaser notes the species from the Maros highlands, and Maidenhead Aquatics describes it from shallow running water where insects are taken from the surface. Those clues are very useful: this is not a fish for stagnant water or a crowded, uncovered tank.

In the aquarium, Liemi Halfbeaks patrol the upper water and can be skittish if the tank is busy or exposed. A quiet position, floating plants and a secure lid make a real difference. Males may show colour and display, while females are usually larger and fuller. Keep a small group with room at the surface rather than trying to keep one nervous individual.

Aquarium Setup

Use a mature aquarium with a tight-fitting lid, open surface space and cover around the edges. Floating plants, tall background plants, roots and smooth stones all help break up the tank without blocking the top-water swimming area. Good filtration and regular water changes are essential, but the flow should not smash them against the glass. They need clean, oxygen-rich water and room to turn safely.

Because halfbeaks can damage their delicate mouthparts if startled into the glass, avoid high-traffic rooms, aggressive tank mates and cramped tanks. A longer 75 litre aquarium is a sensible starting point, while a larger tank gives a group more space to settle.

Water Conditions

Aim for stable, clean water rather than chasing constant adjustments. A practical target is 20-25 C, pH 6.5-7.8 and around 5-12 dGH. Avoid overheating them in a low-oxygen tank. Regular water changes, mature filtration and steady oxygen are more important than a perfect number.

Feeding

These halfbeaks are insect-focused surface feeders. Use small floating or slowly sinking foods: quality flake, fine granules, daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, bloodworm, fruit flies and other small live or frozen foods. Feed modest portions at the surface so they get food before it sinks, and keep the diet varied to support colour, condition and breeding health.

Tank Mates

Choose calm fish that leave the surface alone. Small peaceful rainbowfish, gentle rasboras, quiet livebearers and peaceful bottom dwellers can work if they share the same water conditions. Avoid fin nippers, aggressive cichlids, large predators and frantic surface feeders. Tiny fry or very small shrimp may be eaten.

Breeding Notes

Nomorhamphus liemi is livebearing and FishBase records small broods of around 9-11 young. The fry are relatively large, but adults may eat them, so use dense plants or a separate rearing plan if you want to raise young. Good food and stable water matter, because poor conditioning can lead to weak broods.

Who This Fish Suits

This is a rewarding species for aquarists who enjoy unusual livebearers and can provide a quiet, covered, mature aquarium. It is not ideal for a noisy beginner community or a tiny desktop tank. In the right setup, it brings unusual shape, colour and constant surface activity without needing a huge aquarium.

Delivery and Acclimation

Have a mature, tested aquarium ready before delivery and read the Live Arrival Guarantee and receiving instructions before ordering. On arrival, keep the room calm, dim the aquarium lights and match the water temperature before release. Offer small foods once the fish have settled.

For comparison, the Celebes Halfbeak is another member of the same genus. Read its own care guide when comparing species; this link is not a recommendation to mix them.

Further Reading

• FishBase species summary for Nomorhamphus liemi: spelling, distribution, size, feeding, brood size and Near Threatened status.
• Aquarium Glaser notes on Nomorhamphus liemi: Sulawesi/Maros origin and aquarium-trade context.
• Maidenhead Aquatics care profile for Celebes Halfbeak: jumping, group care, running-water habitat and aquarium parameters.