Ceylonese Combtail

Belontia signata is endemic to Sri Lanka, where it inhabits rivers and streams across the island. It is a large, active anabantoid with attractive reddish-brown body colouration and an impressive combtail fin. It is territorial and predatory and should be kept in a large aquarium with robust tankmates or in a species-only setup.

Water: temp 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard. Tank: minimum 120L; well-planted with open swimming space and caves for cover. Feeding: carnivore — pellets, live and frozen invertebrates, earthworms. Behaviour: semi-aggressive; territorial with conspecifics; predatory towards small fish. Compatibility: best with large robust fish; avoid small or slow-moving tankmates.