WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Balao

Hemiramphus balao

Also known as: Balao Halfbeak, Ballyhoo Halfbeak, Blacktail Ballyhoo, Blue Balao, Blue-tailed Balao, Garfish, Needlefish, Piper, Slender Halfbeak

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2015
Adult
@2270catfish · Waikoloa Hilton, United States · March 20151 / 2
01

Overview

Found in large schools, over the surface of lagoons and seaward reefs, around islands and coral reefs. Varies in colour with the light reflection.

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!

02

How to identify

Fins & Tail
blue tail
Head & Mouth
red beak

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Western Atlantic, Caribbean, Eastern Atlantic
  • Country only · 2
LIVES IN

Found in large schools, over the surface of lagoons and seaward reefs, around islands and coral reefs.

04

Adult photos 2

05

Discussion 1

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FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

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Taxonomy

  1. kingdomAnimalia
  2. phylumChordata
  3. classTeleostei
  4. orderBeloniformes
  5. familyHemiramphidae
  6. genusHemiramphus
  7. speciesHemiramphus balao Lesueur, 1821

SourcesWoRMSFishBase

06

More in the family

Halfbeaks (Hemiramphidae)