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Goldspot halfbeak (Hemirhamphodon chrysopunctatus) — Zenarchopteridae

Goldspot halfbeak

Hemirhamphodon chrysopunctatus

The Goldspot halfbeak (Hemirhamphodon chrysopunctatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Zenarchopteridae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.5 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 goldspot halfbeak is a livebearing freshwater halfbeak (Zenarchopteridae) from clear, soft fresh water of Borneo in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a very slender, elongate body with an extended lower jaw; males bear glittering golden spots and colourful fins. As a surface fish it swims just below the waterline of forest streams 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 Goldspot halfbeak?

The Goldspot halfbeak has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Goldspot halfbeak live?

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

How big does the Goldspot halfbeak get?

The Goldspot halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Goldspot halfbeak dangerous to humans?

No, the Goldspot 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
Goldspot halfbeak sourced
Scientific name
Hemirhamphodon chrysopunctatus
Family
Zenarchopteridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold 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
Yes sourced
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 Hemirhamphodon

More from the family Zenarchopteridae

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