Fin's Fish Guide
The Ballyhoo (Hyporhamphus australis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The eastern sea garfish is a slender halfbeak from coastal and estuarine water of eastern Australia. The species grows to about 40 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a shiny lateral stripe and a greatly elongated, needle-like lower jaw. As a surface swimmer it schools over seagrass beds and in bays and feeds on seagrass, drifting algae and small zooplankton. It is a valued bait and food fish. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ballyhoo?
The Ballyhoo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Needle-shaped elongated lower jaw; schooling surface swimmer
Where does the Ballyhoo live?
The Ballyhoo lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Australia
How big does the Ballyhoo get?
The Ballyhoo grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Ballyhoo dangerous to humans?
No, the Ballyhoo is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Ballyhoo edible?
Yes, the Ballyhoo is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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
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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.