Ceylonese combtail (Belontia signata)

Scientific name: Belontia signata G?nther, 1861

Ceylonese combtail (Belontia signata)

The Ceylonese combtail (Belontia signata) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows to about 18 cm (7.1 in). It is easy to keep and aggressive, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 23–27°C (73–81°F) and a pH of 6.0–7.5. Native range: Asia, Still waters of Sri Lanka.

Ceylonese combtail care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Aggressive
Community tank
Not suitable
Adult size
18 cm (7.1 in)
Minimum tank
210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature
23–27°C (73–81°F)
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH (36–268 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Inhabits usually slow-flowing, shallow, clear water streams, usually with a pebble or sand substrate. Territorial, usually solitary, juveniles form small schools of 3-5 individuals. Feeds on terrestrial insects and detritus.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Belontia signata
Family
Osphronemidae (Gouramies)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
18.0
Common length
10.0
Depth range
0–1 m (0–3 ft)
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 1 m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Asia: common in the south west quarter and mid-hill region of the Mahaweli basin, including the lower hills up to about 800 m. Found throughout Kelani and Kalu River basins, Sri Lanka.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Lower Risk: conservation dependent (LR/cd)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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