How to Identify Bluespotted Halfbeak

To identify Bluespotted Halfbeak (Hemiramphus far), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically greenish-blue to dark blue, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. The most distinctive feature is the presence of 3-9 (usually 4-7) prominent, vertically elongated, dark blue to black blotches or bars along the sides, below the lateral line. Fins are generally hyaline (transparent) to dusky.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Greatly elongated lower jaw, much longer than the upper jaw, ending in a fleshy tip., Upper jaw is short and triangular., 3-9 distinct, vertically elongated dark blue to black blotches on the lower sides., Caudal fin deeply forked, with the lower lobe longer than the upper lobe., Pectoral fins relatively short.

Dorsal fin

13-16 soft rays, positioned far back on the body, opposite the anal fin.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with the lower lobe significantly longer than the upper lobe.

Pectoral fin

10-12 soft rays, relatively short.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small, abdominal in position, with 6 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Jaw structure

   The most obvious feature is the greatly elongated lower jaw, which is much longer than the short, triangular upper jaw.

2. 2

   Lateral blotches

   Look for 3-9 distinct, vertically elongated dark blue to black blotches or bars along the lower sides of the body, below the lateral line.

3. 3

   Caudal fin

   The deeply forked tail fin with a longer lower lobe is characteristic.

4. 4

   Body shape and color

   Elongated, slender body with a greenish-blue to dark blue back and silvery-white belly.

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