Celebes Halfbeak
Nomorhamphus liemi
Celebes Halfbeak (Nomorhamphus liemi) is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer that suits calm freshwater aquariums. It uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so stocking should leave room in that area.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- up to 10 cm
- Aquarium size
- 120 L or larger
- Care level
- Beginner – Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Middle to top swimmer
- Temperature
- 20–24 °C
- pH
- 6.5–8
- GH
- 5–12 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
- Group behavior
- No; 3 Females per Male
Overview
Celebes Halfbeak (Nomorhamphus liemi) is a middle-to-top swimmer for aquariums where the layout leaves enough open swimming space and the water stays stable.
Use these values as planning checks, then make sure the aquarium still has room for behavior, group needs, and calm community fish.
Care requirements
With a Beginner – Intermediate care level, Celebes Halfbeak is approachable, but it still needs stable water, clean substrate, and a well-planned stocking group.
Because it uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, leave enough open swimming space instead of crowding that part of the aquarium.
With a lifespan of up to 5 years, this is a fish to plan for long term rather than an impulse addition.
Aquarium size and space needs
An aquarium of 120 L or larger can be a reasonable starting point, but it should not be read as permission to overstock.
At up to 10 cm, Celebes Halfbeak stays small, but it still needs room to move, feed, and avoid constant competition.
Uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.
Water parameters
The temperature range for this fish is 20 to 24 °C, which fits many tropical freshwater aquariums. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
The pH range for this fish is 6.5 to 8. That points to a broad freshwater range, but stability is more important than sudden corrections.
The GH range for this fish is 5 to 12 dGH. That gives some flexibility, but sudden changes are usually more stressful than a stable value that is slightly imperfect.
Temperament and compatibility
As a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer, Celebes Halfbeak is best kept with calm species that will not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
Because this fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, compatibility is easier when other fish are not all competing for the same swimming space.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Celebes Halfbeak should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Before adding this fish
Use this checklist before treating the profile as a match for an existing aquarium.
- Plan for an aquarium of 120 L or larger.
- Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
- Keep pH stable within the listed range instead of making sudden corrections.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Offer a varied diet that matches this species.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Celebes Halfbeak get?
Celebes Halfbeak reaches up to 10 cm according to this profile. It stays relatively small, but aquarium planning should still account for swimming room.
What aquarium size does Celebes Halfbeak need?
Plan for an aquarium of 120 L or larger. Treat this as a baseline, because fish also need suitable swimming room and compatible fish.
Is Celebes Halfbeak peaceful?
Yes. Celebes Halfbeak is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for Celebes Halfbeak?
The temperature range for this fish is 20 to 24 °C. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs and avoid sudden temperature swings.