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Bigjaw halfbeak (Nomorhamphus megarrhamphus) — Zenarchopteridae

Bigjaw halfbeak

Nomorhamphus megarrhamphus

The Bigjaw halfbeak (Nomorhamphus megarrhamphus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Zenarchopteridae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0.0–? m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia

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Description

The Bigjaw halfbeak is a livebearing freshwater halfbeak (Zenarchopteridae) from slow-flowing fresh water of Sulawesi in Indonesia. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, elongate body with an extended, often curved lower jaw forming a beak; males are often more colourful. As a surface fish it swims just below the waterline and snaps at insects falling on the water; fertilisation is internal and the female bears live young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bigjaw halfbeak?

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

Where does the Bigjaw halfbeak live?

The Bigjaw halfbeak lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Indonesia

How big does the Bigjaw halfbeak get?

The Bigjaw halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Bigjaw halfbeak dangerous to humans?

No, the Bigjaw 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bigjaw halfbeak sourced
Scientific name
Nomorhamphus megarrhamphus
Family
Zenarchopteridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 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
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Nomorhamphus

More from the family Zenarchopteridae

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