Combtail

About

The combtail (Belontia signata) is a labyrinth fish from Sri Lanka, found in the clear, slow-moving streams and shallow waterways of the Kelani and Kalu River basins, as well as much of the Mahaweli basin. It goes by the older vernacular name Ceylon fighting fish, and that reputation is well earned. Adults develop a warm reddish body coloration. Though at least three distinct regional color forms exist, ranging from the deepest red found in rainforest stream populations to slimmer, more subtly colored individuals from slower, murkier lowland waters. The caudal fin produces the characteristic extended filaments that give the fish its common name. Like all anabantoids, it possesses a labyrinth organ that allows it to breathe atmospheric air directly. In the wild it feeds on terrestrial insects and detritus along the stream margins. Juveniles will loosely school together, but adults are strongly territorial and largely solitary, with males unwilling to tolerate conspecifics and often hostile toward unfamiliar fish of similar body shape, including other anabantoids. Adding new individuals to an established tank carries real risk. For most keepers, a single specimen or a single male-female pair in a spacious setup works best, paired with robust, medium-sized schooling fish rather than anything small enough to be mistaken for a snack. This is an intermediate-level species that rewards patient, thoughtful aquarium planning.