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Halfbeak (Hyporhamphus snyderi) — Hemiramphidae

Halfbeak

Hyporhamphus snyderi
Family: Hemiramphidae
LC · Least Concern

The Halfbeak (Hyporhamphus snyderi) is a saltwater fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 15 cm.

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

Description

Snyder's halfbeak is a halfbeak (Hemiramphidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a slender, silvery body with a short upper jaw and a strongly elongated, beak-like lower jaw. It is a schooling coastal species that stays just below the water surface. As an omnivore it feeds on floating plant matter, small invertebrates and insects at the surface. It is a prey fish for larger predators and seabirds. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Halfbeak?

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

Where does the Halfbeak live?

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

How big does the Halfbeak get?

The Halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.

Is the Halfbeak dangerous to humans?

No, the Halfbeak is harmless to humans.

Is the Halfbeak edible?

The Halfbeak is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Snyders halfsnavel sourced
English name
Halfbeak verified
Scientific name
Hyporhamphus snyderi
Family
Hemiramphidae
Other names
Skipper halfbeak verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Average length (cm)
10.0 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
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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 Hyporhamphus

More from the family Hemiramphidae

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