Halfbeaks (Hemiramphidae): The Halfbeaks (Hemiramphidae): The Hemiramphidae Family includes the genus Hyporhamphus which are the halfbeaks. Halfbeaks are found globally in all tropical and temperate seas. They are elongated silver fishes with elongated lower jaws that extend into a long beak. They have a very short upper jaw that is covered with scales and triangular in shape with a ridge across the nose giving rise to their names as "halfbeaks."

The Halfbeaks have anal fins (with 14 to 17 rays) and dorsal fins at the rear of the body that are opposite each other. The pelvic fins are under the abdomen, the pectoral fins are high on the sides, the caudal fin is concave or slightly forked with the lower lobe being longer than the upper lobe, and the lateral line is low on the body.

The halfbeaks are a surface large-school species that feed on seaweed, fish larvae, zooplankton, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. Halfbeaks are preyed on by large predatory fishes. In some parts of the world they are utilized as a food fish. There are 104 halfbeaks known globally of which five reside in Mexican waters.

Members of the Hemiramphidae Family found in Mexican waters and represented in the fish identification section of this website include: the Choelo Halfbeak, Hyporhamphus gilli; Longfin Halfbeak, Hemirampuhus saltator; and Pacific Silverstripe Halfbeak, Hyporhamphus naos.

Note: When used as baits, the halfbeaks found off Baja California and the Pacific coast of Mexico are often called "Ballyhoo," as halfbeak baits are referred to on the East Coast. However that fish is actually a different species, Hemiramphus brasiliensis. See photo below.

Ballyhoo, Hemiramphus brasiliensis: A photo of a fresh frozen Ballyhoo purchased as bait in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico -- "packaged in Pompano Beach, Florida"! Description, photo and fish identification courtesy John Snow.