Fin's Fish Guide
The Tropical halfbeak (Hyporhamphus affinis) is a saltwater fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 38 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Cocos Is. (Keel), Cook Is., Fiji, Tuamotu Is. and others
Description
The Tropical halfbeak is a halfbeak (Hemiramphidae) from coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 38 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a short upper jaw and a strongly elongate, beak-like lower jaw. As a surface schooling fish it swims just below the water surface and eats floating seagrass, algae and small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tropical halfbeak?
The Tropical halfbeak has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Tropical halfbeak live?
The Tropical halfbeak lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Cocos Is. (Keel), Cook Is., Fiji, Tuamotu Is. and others
How big does the Tropical halfbeak get?
The Tropical halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.
Is the Tropical halfbeak dangerous to humans?
No, the Tropical 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.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Tropical halfbeak and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hyporhamphus
More from the family Hemiramphidae
Want the complete picture on the Tropical halfbeak?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tropical halfbeak is one of 12,519 species in the app.