| Halfbeaks are elongated fishes with a prolonged, needlelike lower jaw and a short triangular upper jaw. The tip of the lower jaw is reddish in most species. They are closely related to the needlefish and flyingfish families. Though mostly marine, some do inhabit freshwater. They are known for jumping out the water and skipping across the surface. A few can glide through the air for long distances, similar to flying fishes. Although the flesh is tasty, they only support minor commercial fisheries around the world. Halfbeaks are considered good bait fish for larger offshore species such as billfishes, tunas, wahoos, dolphins and king mackerel. |
