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Palawan halfbeak (Dermogenys palawanensis) — Zenarchopteridae

Palawan halfbeak

Dermogenys palawanensis

The Palawan halfbeak (Dermogenys palawanensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Zenarchopteridae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Palawan halfbeak is a livebearing freshwater halfbeak (Zenarchopteridae) from slow-flowing water of Palawan in the Philippines. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, elongate, silvery body with a strongly extended lower jaw forming a needle-like beak. As a surface fish it swims just below the waterline and snaps at insects falling on the water; fertilisation is internal. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Palawan halfbeak?

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

Where does the Palawan halfbeak live?

The Palawan halfbeak lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Palawan halfbeak get?

The Palawan halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Palawan halfbeak dangerous to humans?

No, the Palawan halfbeak is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Palawan-halfsnavel sourced
English name
Palawan halfbeak sourced
Scientific name
Dermogenys palawanensis
Family
Zenarchopteridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.6 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
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Dermogenys

More from the family Zenarchopteridae

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