Hyporhamphus melanopterus, commonly known as the Blackfin Halfbeak, is a species of fish belonging to the family Hemiramphidae. This fish is characterized by its unique physical features and its widespread distribution throughout the world’s oceans.
Description & Characteristics
Hyporhamphus melanopterus is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 17.0 cm. Its distinctive characteristic is its elongated lower jaw, giving it a beak-like appearance. The fish has a slender body with a slightly compressed lateral profile. The upper jaw is short, while the lower jaw is extended, creating a distinct disparity. The body of the fish is covered in small scales. The dorsal fin is located towards the rear of the body, while the anal fin is positioned more towards the middle. The pectoral fins are placed high on the body, and the pelvic fins are located towards the middle. The fish’s coloration is generally silvery with a dark stripe running along its sides. The fins are pale to dark grayish in color. The caudal fin is forked.
Habitat and Occurrence
Hyporhamphus melanopterus is typically found in coastal waters and estuaries. It prefers brackish and saline waters, often congregating in areas with abundant vegetation and rocky substrates. This species is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are particularly common in the neritic zone, the shallow waters near the coast.
Taxonomy
Hyporhamphus melanopterus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Beloniformes, and Family: Hemiramphidae. The Teleostei is the largest order of bony fish, with a wide range of species that inhabit diverse aquatic environments. Beloniformes is a diverse order of fish that includes needlefish, halfbeaks, and flying fish. Hemiramphidae is a family of fish that are characterized by their elongated lower jaw and flattened bodies, with a significant proportion of their body being made up of the elongated lower jaw.
Feeding
Hyporhamphus melanopterus is a primarily planktivorous fish, feeding mainly on small crustaceans, insects, and other zooplankton. They use their elongated lower jaws to filter food from the water column. Their diet consists primarily of copepods, small shrimp, and other crustaceans. They are active feeders, using their long lower jaw to dart through the water and capture prey.
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