Celebes Halfbeak (Nomorhamphus liemi)

Celebes Halfbeak Nomorhamphus liemi
Name	Celebes Halfbeak
Name Lat.	Nomorhamphus liemi
Family	Viviparous Halfbeaks
Family lat.	Zenarchopteridae
Order	Needle Fishes
Order lat.	Beloniformes
Origin	Sulawesi
Habitat	Streams
Diet	Carnivore
pH	6.5-7.5
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Harem
Care Level	Experts only
Reproduction	Livebearer
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Life Span	2-3 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	6-8 cm
Temperature	20-24 °C
Hardness	5-12 °dH
Aquarium	80 l
US Units
Size	2.4"-3"
Temperature	68-75 °F
Hardness	89-214 ppm
Aquarium	20 gal

Distribution and habitat

The crepuscular Liem's half-beaks are found exclusively (endemically) in the highlands of Maros in the south of Sulawesi Island (Indonesia). They live mainly in shady, fast-flowing mountain streams with dense, weedy underwater vegetation, where they stay on the water surface to forage.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate, shaded light (floating plants), medium hard water and a strong current in places is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

They prefer to eat food from the water surface. The diet consists of small insects such as mosquitoes, aphids, fruit and fruit flies, plus cyclops, daphnia and mosquito larvae, which are also well accepted freeze-dried or frozen. After habituation, high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules) is also accepted, but this should not be the main component of the diet.

Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance

Behaviour and compatibility

They should be kept in a harem, one male with several females. Males are very incompatible with each other, towards other fish they behave peacefully. They are well suited for a community tank with other peaceful fish

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The males are smaller and have an anal fin (andropodium) that has been transformed into a mating organ. The larger females appear rounder.

Reproduction and breeding

Liem's half-billed fish are live-bearing fish. Internal fertilization is provided by the andropodium of the male. After 6-8 weeks of gestation, up to 10 fry, about 2 cm in size, are born. They are already fully developed and independent at birth. The mother animal extremely preys on the young.

Young fish must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the young fish are easy prey.

Important

The water temperature should not exceed 24 °C permanently, 22 °C is optimal. The tank should be well covered, as they are good jumpers.

Two subspecies have been described, the N. liemi liemi with black fins and the N. liemi snijdersi with red fins. But these are probably color morphs

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch 

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF