A female (6 cm), presumably in breeding condition, is closely followed
by a smaller male (3 cm). Seen in a shallow, secondary forest stream,
Singapore.
Seen in a brackish stream inlet, Pulau Sugi, Riau Archipelago,
Indonesia. |
This surface dwelling,
carnivorous fish is adapted to habitats varying from acidic, tropical forest
streams to brackish mangrove streams.
It is identified by its
small size and shape of the jaw. Males often have a red blotch on the dorsal
fin, and can be aggressive towards other males. The species
is ovoviviparous, meaning the young fry hatch internally in the female and
are then born alive.
The Pygmy Halfbeak can be
distinguished from the similar Forest Halfbeak
Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus by the position of the dorsal fin which
begins behind the anal fin.
The species occurs in many
Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and
Indonesia.
Family : HEMIRHAMPHIDAE
Species : Dermogenys pusillus
Maximum Length : 7 cm
References : F1 |
