{"product_id":"half-beak","title":"Half Beak","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Half Beak is a small, sleek freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, prized for its elongated lower jaw and surface-dwelling behavior. Known for its active swimming near the water surface and peaceful temperament, it thrives in well-planted aquariums with calm water and stable conditions. Its schooling nature makes it an engaging species for community tanks, particularly in mid- to upper-water zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures of Half Beak\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlender, streamlined body with elongated lower jaw resembling a “half beak”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilver to greenish body coloration with subtle reflective sheen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult size typically ranges from 7–10 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful and social, best kept in groups of 5 or more\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActive surface dweller, constantly swimming in mid- to upper-water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLifespan of 3–5 years under optimal conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe best aquarium size for Half Beak\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum aquarium volume of 80 litres is recommended for a small school, providing sufficient surface swimming space. Larger aquariums of 120 litres or more are ideal for multiple schools or mixed-species setups. Tank length of at least 80 cm ensures open horizontal swimming areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTank Mate Compatibility for Half Beak\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompatible tank mates are peaceful, small species that occupy mid- to lower-water zones:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuppy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZebra Danio\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarlequin Rasbora\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorydoras Catfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDwarf Gourami\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet for Half Beak\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHalf Beaks are primarily surface feeders and omnivorous. In captivity, they accept high-quality flake or micro-pellet foods designed for surface feeders, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae. Occasional finely chopped vegetables or algae flakes support balanced nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Setup Half Beak\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAquarium Filtration\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGentle filtration is important to maintain clean water without creating strong surface currents. Sponge filters or low-flow hang-on-back filters are suitable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAquarium Plants\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFloating plants such as Duckweed or Hornwort provide cover, simulate natural habitats, and reduce stress. Submerged plants like Java Fern enhance foraging opportunities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAquarium Lighting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate lighting is recommended, sufficient to support plant growth while preventing excessive glare on the water surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAquarium Heating\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain stable temperatures between 23–27 °C using a reliable heater and thermostat, reflecting their tropical origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAquarium Substrate\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine sand or smooth gravel is ideal, allowing safe foraging for any bottom-dwelling tank mates and enhancing natural aesthetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAquarium Decorations\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncorporate driftwood, rocks, and plant clusters to create shaded areas near the surface, while leaving ample open swimming space for schooling behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coburg Aquarium","offers":[{"title":"3-5cm","offer_id":49039093596468,"sku":"X401","price":9.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0147\/1561\/7366\/products\/Halfbeak_6d477542-d5b0-4de0-b918-db7f9340221f.jpg?v=1659507031","url":"https:\/\/coburgaquarium.com.au\/products\/half-beak","provider":"Coburg Aquarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}