Halfbeaks Dermogenys sp.

Any of about 70 species of marine and freshwater fishes of the family Hemiramphidae (order Atheriniformes), Halfbeaks are named for their curious jaws, the upper being short and triangular, and the lower is long, slim and beaklike.

As aquarists we are primarily interested in the livebearers of the genera Dermogenys which are suitable for the home aquarium. Best kept in as large a tank as possible with some plants to offer a sence of security as they are easily startled and can damage their jaws by banging against the glass if frightened.

They do best with the addition of some sea salt and gentle filtration with a slight water currant. They will accept flake and frozen food such as Bloodworm and Daphinia.

Being a livebearer the Half beak gives birth to live young. During spawning the male will swim up to the female and nudge her sides with his beak. He will keep this up until she accepts him. The gestation period is also quite long and can last up to eight weeks. The broods are generally small. The newly born fry can be fed almost immediately on the finest flake food or baby Brine shrimp. At birth the upper and lower jaws are the same length which develop as the fry mature.