Ceylonese combtail
Aggressive labyrinth fish from Sri Lanka
The Ceylonese combtail is a gourami species found only in Sri Lanka. It grows to 18 centimetres and lives in clear streams. This fish uses a labyrinth organ to breathe air. It is kept in aquariums but acts aggressively toward tank mates.
- Endemic to Sri Lanka
- Uses labyrinth organ to breathe air
- Grows up to 18 cm long
- Aggressive towards other tank fish
What it is
The Ceylonese combtail is a type of gourami native to Sri Lanka. Adults can reach a total length of 18 centimetres, though most individuals measure around 10 centimetres. This fish possesses a special organ called a labyrinth. This structure functions like a rudimentary lung, allowing the animal to breathe atmospheric air. This adaptation helps it survive in water with low oxygen levels or even out of water for extended periods. Observers often see these fish rising to the surface to gulp air.
Where it lives
This species is endemic to Sri Lanka, meaning it is found nowhere else in the wild. Its preferred habitat consists of shallow streams with slow-moving currents. The water in these environments is typically clear. These conditions support the specific needs of the combtail, which relies on surface access for breathing due to its labyrinth organ.
How it lives
In captivity, this fish accepts a wide variety of foods. It will consume maggots, bloodworms, flake food, pellets, and vegetable matter. Behaviourally, it is known for being aggressive. While it may appear in fish shops, it does not suit community tanks well. If housed with other species, it tends to bully them. This aggression can lead to injury or death for the tank mates. It is best kept alone to prevent such conflicts.
Fish and people
The Ceylonese combtail appears in the aquarium trade. Hobbyists can find it in some fish shops. However, keepers must exercise caution when selecting tank mates. Due to its bullying nature, it is not recommended for community setups. It is better suited for solitary confinement where it cannot harm other fish. Its ability to eat diverse foods makes feeding straightforward for owners who keep it alone.
Questions people ask about Ceylonese combtail
Can I keep the Ceylonese combtail with other fish?
No, it is not suitable for community tanks. This fish bullies other species and may injure or kill them. It is best kept by itself in a solitary setup to avoid aggression issues.
What does the Ceylonese combtail eat?
It eats almost any food offered. Suitable options include maggots, bloodworms, flake food, pellets, and vegetable foods. This varied diet makes it easy to feed in captivity.
Why does this fish go to the water surface?
It has a labyrinth organ that acts like a lung. This allows it to breathe air directly. It surfaces to replenish oxygen, especially if the water has poor oxygenation.
Good reading and sources
- Belontia signata on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Belontia signata", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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