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Naga halfbeak (Rhynchorhamphus naga) — Hemiramphidae

Naga halfbeak

Rhynchorhamphus naga
Family: Hemiramphidae

The Naga halfbeak (Rhynchorhamphus naga) is a saltwater fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
17.7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–? m
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Brunei Darsm, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Viet Nam and others

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Description

The Naga halfbeak is a halfbeak (Hemiramphidae) from coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a short upper jaw and a strongly elongate, beak-shaped lower jaw. It swims in schools just below the surface and eats drifting zooplankton, small invertebrates and some algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Naga halfbeak?

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

Where does the Naga halfbeak live?

The Naga halfbeak lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Brunei Darsm, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Viet Nam and others

How big does the Naga halfbeak get?

The Naga halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Naga halfbeak dangerous to humans?

No, the Naga 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
Naga halfbeak sourced
Scientific name
Rhynchorhamphus naga
Family
Hemiramphidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.7 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
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Brunei Darsm, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Viet Nam 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

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 Rhynchorhamphus

More from the family Hemiramphidae

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