梳尾格斗鱼 · Ceylonese Combtail

Overview

Belontia signata is a Sri Lankan labyrinth fish, often reddish and bearing elongated tail-fin filaments. It needs careful stocking decisions because adults can be hostile to their own kind and to similarly shaped fishes. It is not a routine choice for a peaceful community aquarium.

Distribution & habitat

Endemic to central and southern Sri Lankan drainages, it occurs in the Mahaweli, Kelani, Kalu, and Nilwala systems. Clear, shallow forest streams with sand and small stones are typical. Fish apparently favor slower sections among marginal roots and vegetation. Appearance varies with locality.

Aquarium setup

Soft sand is a useful choice, though abundant shelter matters more than the exact substrate. Dim light, wood, scattered roots and branches, and floating vegetation provide a suitable arrangement. Other plants can be included. Even a pair needs a generous footprint.

Diet & feeding

The diet is primarily carnivorous, apparently centered on invertebrates and mollusks in nature. Earthworms and shellfish are suitable larger live or frozen offerings. Most individuals can learn to take dry foods, with pellets often preferred to flakes. Smaller fish accept bloodworms and brine shrimp, but adults may disregard such tiny items.

Behaviour & compatibility

In a large setup, peaceful medium-sized schooling cyprinids are possible partners. Tiny fishes risk predation. Other labyrinth fishes and some cichlids are commonly rejected because of their similar shape. Adults do not form friendly groups: males attack conspecifics, including females outside spawning condition. Newly introduced individuals can be killed. A sexed pair is usually the practical limit unless the aquarium is exceptionally large.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature males are larger, have longer unpaired fins, and develop more pronounced tail filaments. Juveniles cannot be reliably sexed by appearance.

Breeding

Both parents participate in bubble-nest reproduction. The nest is reportedly simple; the female attends the eggs while the male defends the surrounding area. Broods appear large, but detailed reproductive timing is poorly established.

Notes

Several geographic forms differ in body depth, iridescence, pectoral-base markings, and tail-filament color. The status of a proposed subspecies is uncertain, so color variation alone does not justify a separate identification. A labyrinth organ supports air breathing.