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Jumping halfbeak (Hemiramphus saltator) — Hemiramphidae

Jumping halfbeak

Hemiramphus saltator
Family: Hemiramphidae
LC · Least Concern

The Jumping halfbeak (Hemiramphus saltator) is a saltwater fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 48 cm.

Length
48 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The longfin halfbeak is a halfbeak (Hemiramphidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a slender, streamlined, silvery body with a short upper jaw and a strongly elongated, beak-like lower jaw, characteristic of the halfbeaks. It is an oceanic species that stays just below the water surface and forms very large schools. It feeds on small fishes and plankton at the surface. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Jumping halfbeak?

The Jumping halfbeak has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Jumping halfbeak live?

The Jumping halfbeak lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Jumping halfbeak get?

The Jumping halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 48 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Jumping halfbeak dangerous to humans?

No, the Jumping halfbeak is harmless to humans.

Is the Jumping halfbeak edible?

Yes, the Jumping halfbeak is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Langvin-halfsnavel sourced
English name
Jumping halfbeak verified
Scientific name
Hemiramphus saltator
Family
Hemiramphidae
Other names
Longfin halfbeak verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
48.0 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Sportvissen met kunstaas of (dood/levend) aasvis door te trollen, te werpen of drijvend te vissen in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Hemiramphus

More from the family Hemiramphidae

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