Fin's Fish Guide
The Lutke's halfbeak (Hemiramphus lutkei) is a brackish-water fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Asia: Brunei Darsm, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Cook Is., Guam, India, Indonesia and others
Description
The Lutke's halfbeak is a halfbeak (Hemiramphidae) from the open surface water of the Indo-West Pacific. 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 Lutke's halfbeak?
The Lutke's halfbeak has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Lutke's halfbeak live?
The Lutke's halfbeak lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Brunei Darsm, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Cook Is., Guam, India, Indonesia and others
How big does the Lutke's halfbeak get?
The Lutke's halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Lutke's halfbeak dangerous to humans?
No, the Lutke's 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 Lutke's halfbeak edible?
Yes, the Lutke's halfbeak is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Lutke's halfbeak?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lutke's halfbeak is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemiramphus
More from the family Hemiramphidae
Want the complete picture on the Lutke's halfbeak?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lutke's halfbeak is one of 12,519 species in the app.