Platinum Halfbeak Livebearer (Nomorhamphus liemi) – A Complete Care Guide

Latin Name: Nomorhamphus liemi
Common Names: Platinum Halfbeak, Celebes Halfbeak, Silver Halfbeak

The Platinum Halfbeak Livebearer is an intriguing, unique freshwater fish known for its elongated beak-like snout and shimmering, metallic silver appearance. This livebearer species hails from Southeast Asia and is a favorite among aquarists who seek something different from typical community fish. In this blog, we will explore the natural habitat of the Platinum Halfbeak, and provide insights into how to care for them in an aquarium setting.

Platinum Halfbeaks in the Wild

Platinum Halfbeaks are native to the slow-moving streams, rivers, and lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia, particularly in the Celebes region. These fish prefer waters with dense vegetation where they can easily hide and feed. The clear, warm waters of their natural habitat are rich in aquatic plants, providing both food and protection.

In the wild, Platinum Halfbeaks are surface dwellers, where they hunt for insects and small invertebrates. Their distinctive upturned mouth allows them to snap up prey from the water’s surface with precision. The environment they thrive in tends to be slightly acidic to neutral, with temperatures between 72°F and 82°F (22°C to 28°C).

Appearance and Behavior

The Platinum Halfbeak stands out due to its elongated lower jaw, which gives it the characteristic "halfbeak" appearance. Their bodies are sleek and slender, usually a shimmering silver or pale platinum hue. Males tend to be smaller and more vibrantly colored than females, often displaying hints of red or orange on their fins, particularly during courtship.

These fish remain close to the surface of the water, making them active, visual additions to the top layers of the aquarium. Platinum Halfbeaks are generally peaceful but can be slightly skittish and territorial toward one another, especially during breeding. Males may engage in minor displays of aggression but are otherwise easy to manage in a well-planted tank.

Aquarium Care for Platinum Halfbeaks

Caring for Platinum Halfbeaks requires a bit of attention to detail in tank setup and water conditions, as they have specific preferences due to their unique biology and wild habitat.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 15 to 20 gallons is recommended, with a long tank being ideal to provide ample surface area for these top-dwelling fish.
• Water Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 72°F and 82°F (22°C to 28°C) to mimic their natural tropical environment.
• Water Parameters: Platinum Halfbeaks prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Ensure stable water conditions, as they can be sensitive to sudden changes.
• Filtration: Use a gentle filtration system that does not create too much surface agitation, as Platinum Halfbeaks are surface feeders and may become stressed by strong currents.
• Aquascaping: Provide plenty of floating plants, such as water lettuce or duckweed, to create shaded areas and surface cover. Submerged plants like Java moss, Anubias, and hornwort can also help create a more natural environment and reduce stress.

Feeding

In the wild, Platinum Halfbeaks primarily feed on insects, larvae, and other small invertebrates that dwell near the water's surface. In captivity, they will accept a variety of foods, but it's important to offer a balanced diet to keep them healthy.

• Staple Diet: High-quality floating foods such as flakes or micro-pellets are ideal.
• Supplemental Food: To mimic their natural diet, offer live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae. This will also encourage natural behaviors and improve their coloration.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, giving only as much food as they can consume in a few minutes.

Tank Mates

Platinum Halfbeaks are peaceful, but due to their unique shape and behavior, it’s important to choose tank mates carefully. Good companions include other peaceful species that inhabit different levels of the tank, such as Corydoras catfish, small rasboras, or tetras. They also do well with other livebearers like guppies or mollies.

Avoid large or aggressive species that may nip at their delicate fins or outcompete them for food. Also, keep in mind that Platinum Halfbeaks can sometimes be territorial with each other, particularly males, so it’s a good idea to provide plenty of space and hiding spots.

Breeding Platinum Halfbeaks

Breeding Platinum Halfbeaks can be a rewarding experience, though it may require some patience. Like other livebearers, the females give birth to fully developed fry rather than laying eggs.

• Breeding Tank: To encourage breeding, set up a separate breeding tank with plenty of floating plants where the fry can hide after birth. Ensure stable, warm water conditions in the upper range of their preferred temperature (around 80°F).
• Courtship and Mating: Males will chase females during courtship, and after mating, the female carries the fertilized eggs internally. The gestation period lasts about 4 to 6 weeks.
• Caring for Fry: Female Halfbeaks give birth to live fry that are relatively large compared to other livebearer species. Once the fry are born, they can immediately begin foraging for food. Feed them infusoria, baby brine shrimp, or powdered fry food. It’s important to separate the fry from the adults, as adult fish may eat the young if left in the same tank.

Conclusion

The Platinum Halfbeak Livebearer is a captivating and unique species that adds a touch of elegance to any aquarium. Their shimmering silver bodies, combined with their surface-dwelling behavior, make them a fascinating fish to observe. With proper care, stable water conditions, and a well-planted aquarium, these fish can thrive and even breed in captivity. Whether you’re looking to add something exotic to a community tank or want to create a dedicated setup for Halfbeaks, their peaceful nature and striking appearance make them a great choice for aquarists.