Common halfbeak (Hyporhamphus unifasciatus)

Scientific name: Hyporhamphus unifasciatus Ranzani, 1841

Common halfbeak (Hyporhamphus unifasciatus)

The Common halfbeak (Hyporhamphus unifasciatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Hemiramphidae. Native range: Western Atlantic, south Florida (USA), through the Caribbean and along the coasts of Central and South America to Uruguay.

Biology

An inshore, surface-dwelling species forming sizeable schools, frequently entering estuaries. Uncommon over reefs. Omnivorous, feeds on algae and other small animals. Caught with 'mandinga' nets in Venezuela, often using lights. Edible but not really appreciated.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Hyporhamphus unifasciatus
Family
Hemiramphidae (Halfbeaks)
Order
Beloniformes (Needle fishes)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
30.0
Common length
20.0
Depth range
0–5 m (0–16 ft)
Environment
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; oceanodromous; depth range 0 - 5 m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Western Atlantic: south Florida (USA), through the Caribbean and along the coasts of Central and South America to Uruguay.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; bait: usually
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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