Description
Also known as Balao Halfbeak, Ballyhoo Halfbeak, Blacktail Ballyhoo, Blue Balao, Blue-tailed Balao, Garfish, Needlefish, Piper, Slender Halfbeak.
Found in large schools, over the surface of lagoons and seaward reefs, around islands and coral reefs. Varies in colour with the light reflection.
They feed on small fish and zooplankton.
Length - 35cm
Depth - 0-10m
Widespread Eastern Atlantic, Western Atlantic, Caribbean
Halfbeaks hunt smaller fish just below the surface of the sea, but in turn the are also hunted by larger fish like Tuna and can sometimes be seen leaping into the air and seeming to skip along on their tails on the surface of the water to escape predators.
Potentially dangerous at night when attracted to light as they leap out of the water and have been known to cause fatalities with their beaks! Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Hemiramphus-balao.html
1 comment
Posted by @JolineCuracaoI think the last picture should actually be a Ballyhoo.