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Origin: South-east Asia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia. Here the fish occur in fresh and brackish water.

Etymology: pusillus:

Synonyms:Hemirhamphus fluviatilis

First European import: Germany, 1905, by J. Reichelt.

Description: See pictures.

Care: Not too difficult. For several pairs a larger tank, with densely grown surface areas is necessary, because the males are territorial, and can really fight ferociously. The fish are very shy, especially in the beginning, but also at a later age. If scared, they will try to escape the 'danger' and often swim hard against the aquarium glass, sometimes killing themselves, or severely damaging their beaks. Adding some salt to the tank is beneficial.

Temperature:18-26 degrees.

Feeding: Best fed with live food, although flake food is also accepted.

Size:up to 7 cm

pH: 6.0-7.5

Breeding: Livebearer! Very difficult, usually the first 2 spawns contain some viable fry, but later spawns consist of dead born young. Apparently this is caused by a vitamin deficiency(vit D.).

Sexual dimorphism: Males have a red spot in the dorsal fin and remain smaller.

Prices: 2-3€

Additional:

Picture references:All pictures E. Naus

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.(click on the link to buy this book)