Fin's Fish Guide
The Asian halfbeak (Hyporhamphus intermedius) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 20 cm.
East Asia (China, Korea and Japan), in coastal water, estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers; tolerates fresh to salt water.
Description
The Asian halfbeak is a slender, silvery surface fish of the family Hemiramphidae (halfbeaks) reaching about 20 cm. Characteristic is the mouth: the upper jaw is short and triangular, while the lower jaw is greatly elongated into a thin, beak-like point. With its flat back and high-set eyes the fish feeds just below the water surface. The species comes from East Asia and lives in coastal water, estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers; it tolerates fresh to salt water. In schools it eats zooplankton, drifting insects and algae. The eggs bear sticky threads that attach them to water plants. It is a common small food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Asian halfbeak?
The Asian halfbeak has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, silver small surface fish with a short upper jaw and a greatly elongated, beak-shaped lower jaw.
Where does the Asian halfbeak live?
The Asian halfbeak lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. East Asia (China, Korea and Japan), in coastal water, estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers; tolerates fresh to salt water.
How big does the Asian halfbeak get?
The Asian halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Asian halfbeak dangerous to humans?
No, the Asian halfbeak is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Asian halfbeak edible?
Yes, the Asian halfbeak is commonly eaten.
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Same genus Hyporhamphus
More from the family Hemiramphidae
Want the complete picture on the Asian halfbeak?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Asian halfbeak is one of 12,519 species in the app.