Fin's Fish Guide
The Ballyhoo (Hyporhamphus roberti) is a brackish-water fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 32 cm.
Description
Robert's halfbeak is a halfbeak (Hemiramphidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has a slender, silvery body with a short upper jaw and a strongly elongated, beak-like lower jaw. It is a schooling surface fish of coastal waters that frequently enters brackish estuaries and adjacent areas. As an omnivore it feeds on floating plant matter, small invertebrates and insects. It is mainly used as bait. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ballyhoo?
The Ballyhoo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Beak-shaped lower jaw; schooling surface fish of coastal waters and estuaries.
Where does the Ballyhoo live?
The Ballyhoo lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic; coastal waters and brackish estuaries.
How big does the Ballyhoo get?
The Ballyhoo grows to a maximum of about 32 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Ballyhoo dangerous to humans?
No, the Ballyhoo is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ballyhoo edible?
The Ballyhoo is rarely eaten.
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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 Ballyhoo?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ballyhoo is one of 12,519 species in the app.