Family: Osphronemidae
Ceylonese Combtail — a Osphronemidae freshwater fish. Reaches 13.5–19.8 cm; keep at 24–28 °C.
Belontia signata of the family Osphronemidae is an aquarium-kept Osphronemidae. Territorial; one male per tank and carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live, it grows to 13.5–19.8 cm and prefers 24–28 °C water. Other Belontia species in our database include Belontia hasselti.
A moderate-level species: territorial; one male per tank; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Hold 24–28 °C and keep it stable — 24–28 °C recorded range. Heater required; stable warmth.
Expect 13.5–19.8 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 470 L tank or larger gives it room.
Carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live. It forages naturally over soft sand with leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.
Territorial; one male per tank. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Its habitat is still waters, rice paddies and slow streams — still to very gentle water, tolerates low oxygen; labyrinth breather.
A confirmed jumper: fit a tight lid and lower the waterline slightly.
In the aquarium: bubble-nest builder with paternal care. Males larger with longer fins.