Albino Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla)

Albino Halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla)

The Albino Halfbeak is a unique and eye-catching variant of the Dermogenys pusilla, a small freshwater fish known for its elongated body and striking appearance, including its distinctive upturned lower jaw, which gives it the "halfbeak" name. The albino version offers a lighter, more vibrant color, making it a popular choice for aquariums.

1. Tank Size

• Albino Halfbeaks are small fish, growing up to 2.5 inches (6 cm), so a tank of at least 10-20 gallons (38-75 liters) is sufficient for a small group.

• A well-planted tank with open swimming areas is ideal, as they are active swimmers.

2. Water Conditions

• Temperature: These fish thrive in warm water with temperatures between 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).

• pH: A neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 is preferred.

• Hardness: They prefer moderately hard water, around 8-12 dGH.

• Water Quality: As with all fish, maintaining good water quality is essential. Perform regular water changes (about 25% per week) to ensure healthy water conditions.

3. Diet

• Albino Halfbeaks are omnivores, so their diet should be varied:

  • High-quality flakes or pellets designed for small fish.

  • Live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, will provide protein.

  • They also enjoy vegetable matter, such as spirulina, blanched vegetables (like zucchini), or algae-based foods.

• Feed them small portions 2-3 times a day.

4. Tank Setup

• Substrate: Use a fine substrate, such as sand or small gravel, which is easy to clean.

• Aquascaping: Provide a planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, but also allow open swimming spaces as Albino Halfbeaks are quite active.

• Lighting: Moderate lighting is fine, and plants will benefit from the light, but ensure it's not too bright, as these fish naturally come from more shaded habitats.

5. Tankmates

• Albino Halfbeaks are generally peaceful and can be kept with a variety of other small, peaceful fish.

• They make excellent companions for species like small tetras, rasboras, and shrimp.

• Avoid keeping them with larger, aggressive species that might outcompete them for food or cause stress.

• Note: Halfbeaks are known to be fin-nippers in some cases, so it's best to avoid delicate-finned species like guppies or bettas.

6. Breeding

• Breeding Albino Halfbeaks can be a bit tricky, as they are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young.

• Males will chase the females during the breeding season, displaying their vibrant colors. To encourage breeding, provide ample hiding spots for the females.

• A separate breeding tank with plants or mesh for the females to hide in is ideal, as the young can be eaten by the parents if they aren't protected.

7. Health

• Keep an eye on water parameters, as poor water quality can lead to issues like skin lesions or fin rot.

• Albino variants can sometimes be more sensitive to light and may suffer from skin issues if exposed to intense, direct lighting for long periods.

• Watch for signs of illness like lack of appetite, lethargy, or faded coloration, and promptly address water quality or potential disease outbreaks.

Interesting Fact:

Albino Halfbeaks have an intriguing feeding behavior. They are surface feeders and are often seen swimming near the water’s surface with their heads angled upward, looking for food. This behavior is due to their natural feeding habits in the wild, where they often catch insects and other small prey that fall into the water. This unique trait makes them fascinating to observe, especially during feeding times!