Malay Combtail

Belontia hasselti is a robust anabantoid native to slow-moving rivers and swamps of the Malay Peninsula and surrounding islands. It is a predatory species that will consume smaller fish and invertebrates. The striking combtail finnage is its most distinctive feature. It requires a spacious aquarium and can be aggressive towards conspecifics and similar-shaped fish.

Water: temp 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard. Tank: minimum 150L; heavily planted with plenty of cover and hiding spots. Feeding: carnivore — large pellets, live and frozen invertebrates, earthworms, small fish. Behaviour: semi-aggressive; territorial; predatory — will eat small fish and shrimp. Compatibility: keep with large, robust fish only; best in species-specific or large community setups.