Species profile
Celebes Halfbeak
Nomorhamphus liemi
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
120 L minimum aquarium
7–9 cm adult size
Top
Minimum group: 4
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Avoid warm stagnant setups. Male-on-male aggression and jumping risk need to be designed around from the start.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.8
GH
5–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 4
Tank zone
Top
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Fry
Bioload factor
1
Active surface livebearer. Mature males can be very intolerant of each other; one male with several females is the safest small-group structure.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
4–6 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
120 L
Minimum footprint
90 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Nomorhamphus liemi
Alternative names
Celebes Halfbeak, Sulawesi Halfbeak
Native range
South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Natural habitat
Clear upland streams and flowing waters with overhanging vegetation and well-oxygenated conditions.
Diet & feeding
Surface insectivore taking terrestrial insects and aquatic invertebrates; use varied floating foods and frozen/live prey.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males have a modified anal fin/andropodium and stronger colour; females are larger and deeper-bodied.
Breeding
Livebearer. Females produce small broods of comparatively large young; dense surface vegetation helps fry survival.