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Bermuda halfbeak (Hemiramphus bermudensis) — Hemiramphidae

Bermuda halfbeak

Hemiramphus bermudensis
Family: Hemiramphidae

The Bermuda halfbeak (Hemiramphus bermudensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 44 cm.

Length
44 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–? m
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Bermuda
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Bermuda halfbeak is a halfbeak (Hemiramphidae) from the open surface water of the western Atlantic, around Bermuda. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a slender, silvery, torpedo-shaped body with a strongly extended lower jaw forming a needle-like beak, while the upper jaw stays short. As a schooling surface fish it swims just below the waterline and snaps at drifting seagrass, small zooplankton and insects. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bermuda halfbeak?

The Bermuda halfbeak has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Bermuda halfbeak live?

The Bermuda halfbeak lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North America: Bermuda

How big does the Bermuda halfbeak get?

The Bermuda halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 44 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Bermuda halfbeak dangerous to humans?

No, the Bermuda halfbeak 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 Bermuda halfbeak edible?

Yes, the Bermuda halfbeak is commonly eaten.

More photos

Bermuda halfbeak (Hemiramphus bermudensis) — Hemiramphidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) svana, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bermuda halfbeak (Hemiramphus bermudensis) — Hemiramphidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) James Bailey, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bermuda halfbeak (Hemiramphus bermudensis) — Hemiramphidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Miguel A Mejias, PhD., some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Bermuda halfbeak sourced
Scientific name
Hemiramphus bermudensis
Family
Hemiramphidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
44.0 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Bermuda sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Hemiramphus

More from the family Hemiramphidae

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