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Convex halfbeak (Hemiramphus convexus) — Hemiramphidae

Convex halfbeak

Hemiramphus convexus
Family: Hemiramphidae

The Convex halfbeak (Hemiramphus convexus) is a saltwater fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
23 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–6.0 m
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Brunei Darsm, Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Convex halfbeak is a halfbeak (Hemiramphidae) from shallow coastal, estuarine or fresh water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a very slender, silvery body in which the lower jaw is extended into a long, needle-like beak while the upper jaw is short. As a surface fish it swims just below the surface and snaps at insects falling on the water, larvae, drifting algae and small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Convex halfbeak?

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

Where does the Convex halfbeak live?

The Convex halfbeak lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Brunei Darsm, Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia and others

How big does the Convex halfbeak get?

The Convex halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.

Is the Convex halfbeak dangerous to humans?

No, the Convex 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 Convex halfbeak edible?

Yes, the Convex halfbeak is commonly eaten.

More photos

Convex halfbeak (Hemiramphus convexus) — Hemiramphidae — 2
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Convex halfbeak (Hemiramphus convexus) — Hemiramphidae — 3
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Convex halfbeak (Hemiramphus convexus) — Hemiramphidae — 4
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Convex halfbeak (Hemiramphus convexus) — Hemiramphidae — 5
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Convex halfbeak sourced
Scientific name
Hemiramphus convexus
Family
Hemiramphidae
Other names
Halfbeak; Flying halfbeak verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
23.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
6.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Brunei Darsm, Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia and others 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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