Dermogenys
The freshwater and brackish water halfbeaks of the genus Dermogenys are widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia from India to Indonesia. They are all viviparous, producing small clutches of up to 30 fry that closely resemble the adults, except they are much smaller, around 10 to 15 mm in length. Dermogenys adults are typically around 60–70 mm in length, with females being slightly larger than males. Males tend to be more brightly coloured and are well known for being aggressive towards one another. The wrestling halfbeak, Dermogenys pusilla, is widely used in Asia as fighting animals upon which wagers are placed (see Siamese fighting fish). Both sexes have lower jaws (mandibles) that are much longer than the upper ones, and from this comes the "halfbeak" name.Dermogenys fish feed extensively on small insects, either in the form of aquatic larvae or as flying insects that have fallen onto the surface of the water. They are important predators on insects such as mosquitoes, so play a role in controlling malaria.
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