Dermogenys pusilla Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1823
Wrestling halfbeak
Needle gar
photo by Hippocampus-Bildarchiv

Family:  Zenarchopteridae (Internally fertilized halfbeaks)
Max. size:  16.1 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; freshwater; brackish; marine; pH range: 7 - 8; dH range: 9 - 19; depth range - 0 m
Distribution:  Asia: Java, Indonesia.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Found in rivers, rivulets, canals, drains, ponds and lakes (Ref. 4833). Rarely found in the sea (Ref. 45255). Inhabits medium to large rivers, flooded fields and mainly stagnant waters including sluggish flowing canals of the lower Mekong (Ref. 12975). Most common in areas with floating plants or rooted aquatics that reach the surface (Ref. 12693). Larvae and early juveniles are sometimes found in the upper reaches of mangroves during the wet season (Ref. 43081). A live-bearer species. Feed on worms, crustaceans and insects (Ref. 7020). Rarely taken in commercial catches, although it may be found in subsistence catches. Not seen in markets (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 02 September 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Collected from Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija as specimen for living fish museum (Ref. 81820). Recorded from Candaba Swamp and Pampanga River (Ref. 109918). Also Ref. 280, 12157. Outside distributional range, occurrence needs further confirmation.


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