Fin's Fish Guide
The African halfbeak (Hyporhamphus picarti) is a brackish-water fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The African halfbeak is a halfbeak (Hemiramphidae) from the eastern Atlantic off the coast of West Africa. The species has a slender, silvery body and the strongly elongated lower jaw characteristic of halfbeaks, while the upper jaw remains short. It lives in coastal waters and often enters estuaries. At or near the bottom it gathers algae and organic material from the sediment surface. It lives in schools and is a prey fish for larger predators. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African halfbeak?
The African halfbeak has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Greatly elongated lower jaw with a short upper jaw; schooling fish of coastal waters and estuaries.
Where does the African halfbeak live?
The African halfbeak lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Atlantic off West Africa; coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the African halfbeak get?
The African halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the African halfbeak dangerous to humans?
No, the African halfbeak is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African halfbeak edible?
The African halfbeak is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the African halfbeak and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hyporhamphus
More from the family Hemiramphidae
Want the complete picture on the African halfbeak?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African halfbeak is one of 12,519 species in the app.