Intermediate
Malayan Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla)
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 80L
£5.99
Colourful Sulawesi surface livebearer for mature, covered aquariums with calm tank mates, clean water and small insect-rich 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 liemi
Liemi 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.
Colourful Sulawesi surface livebearer for mature, covered aquariums with calm tank mates, clean water and small insect-rich 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.
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. This batch corrects the old genus spelling drift and uses the accepted spelling Nomorhamphus throughout the customer-facing page.
SKU 6305 is the Petra 3.5-7 cm Liemi Halfbeak. The older page already had useful care depth, but it pushed search phrases too hard and mixed correct and incorrect scientific spelling across the title, handle and hidden fields. This rewrite keeps the useful care information, adds the exact Petra source photo, and makes the page read naturally for aquarists and search engines.
| Product | Liemi Halfbeak |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Nomorhamphus liemi |
| Also known as | Celebes Halfbeak, Black-fin Celebes Halfbeak, Maros highland halfbeak |
| Supplier size | 3.5-7 cm |
| Adult size | Plan for around 8-9 cm, with females often larger than males |
| Care level | Moderate: best for a mature, quiet, covered aquarium |
| Temperament | Surface-active; usually manageable, but males can spar and tiny fry may be eaten |
| Minimum aquarium | 75 litres for a small group; a longer tank with surface area is better |
| Temperature | 20-25 C is ideal from specialist care sources; Petra’s range allows 23-26 C |
| pH | 6.5-7.8, with FishBase giving a wider 6.0-8.0 range |
| Hardness | 5-12 dGH preferred; up to moderate hardness is workable if stable |
| Diet | Small surface foods, insects, fruit flies, mosquito larvae, daphnia, flake and frozen foods |
| Tank region | Surface and upper water |
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.
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.
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. Petra’s source range of 23-26 C is usable, but do not overheat them in a low-oxygen tank. Regular water changes, mature filtration and steady oxygen are more important than a perfect number.
Liemi 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.
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.
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.
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.
When available, Liemi 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.
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