Black-barred halfbeak – Hemiramphus far

Black-barred halfbeak, Black-barred Halfbeak, Hemiramphus far
Size: 45 cm
Depth: 0 - 6 m

Albania, Algeria, Andaman and Nicobar, Australia, China, Comoros, Cook Islands, Crete Island, Cyprus, Djibouti, Egypt, Fiji, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mayotte, Micronesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion Island, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Vanuatu, Vietnam

Aegean Sea, Arabian Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Bengal, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, South China Sea, Yellow Sea

The Black-barred Halfbeak, scientifically known as Hemiramphus far, is a fascinating species of fish belonging to the family Hemiramphidae. It is a relatively common sight in tropical and subtropical waters around the globe, captivating observers with its distinctive physical features and intriguing behavior.

Description & Characteristics

The Hemiramphus far is easily recognized by its elongated, flattened body, which can reach a maximum size of 45.0 cm. Its most prominent feature is the distinctively shaped upper jaw, which is significantly longer than the lower jaw, giving it a beak-like appearance. This unique adaptation allows it to feed effectively on surface-dwelling prey. The body is covered in silvery scales, and it is often marked by a series of dark bars running along its flanks, hence its common name. The Black-barred Halfbeak also possesses a dorsal fin located towards the rear of its body, while its anal fin is positioned further forward.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Hemiramphus far is a coastal species, primarily found in shallow waters with depths ranging from 0.0 to 6.0 meters. It is particularly common in inshore reefs, estuaries, and lagoons, often dwelling amongst seagrass meadows and coral formations. The Black-barred Halfbeak is typically found in tropical and subtropical marine zones, particularly those located in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Taxonomy

The Hemiramphus far species belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Beloniformes, and Family: Hemiramphidae. This classification reflects its close relationship to other halfbeak species, all of which share similar physical characteristics and adaptations for their specialized feeding habits.

Feeding

The Black-barred Halfbeak is a predatory fish, relying on a diverse diet that includes algae, small fish, invertebrates, and phytoplankton. Its elongated upper jaw acts like a spear, allowing it to snatch prey from the surface of the water with exceptional precision. This feeding strategy makes it an important part of the marine food web, contributing to the balance and stability of its ecosystem.

Associated Species

Image References

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