They are aggressive...unfortunately for my african leaf fish (RIP). The male also got in a big lip lock with my guinacara to take over the cave but that was a week ago. No problems since then. They have gotten in a couple scuffles but everybody else is bigger than them and not conspecific. That is what I get for not doing my research prior to buying but I just couldn't pass these guys up. They don't mess with my big blood parrots so they are ok in my book. I love their coloration and really like having them.
Ahh...Belontia Signata, my favorite "mini" Monster. They are sold with various names like you mentioned, I've also seen them sold as Ceylon Fighting Fish. I have one that's over 18 y/o and just over 6". What so amazing about this fish is, unlike other Labyrinth fishes, Combtails behave like cichlids.
Yes, these guys can be aggressive. The lists of fishes that my Combtail has killed in the first 10 years of it's life reads almost like a "who's who" of the cichlid world, including breeding pairs of Convicts, Jewel Cichlids and various African Cichlids that were a little larger. The last victim was an 8" Red Devil. When my Combtail's tank was leaking (he was alone in a 20g long), I had to put him with the RD in a 75g with a divider to hold him until the following day. When I woke up the next morning, I found the RD on the top corner, one eye missing-the other hanging out of it's socket, fins tattered and breathing heavily.
Combtails seem to really dislike other fishes with similar shape (from my observation). When I had mine with Africans, even though he was still very territorial and aggressive, he wasn't relentless as when he was with the SA/CA cichlids.
It's a shame that they are not more widely available, because I think they are perfect for people who wants a "wet pet" and have a "Oscar/RD itch" but don't have the space.
BTW congrats, Its great to see other ppl out their discover this amazing fish.
