Order : Beloniformes
Family : HEMIRAMPHIDAE
Species : Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus
Maximum Length : 12 cm
The Forest Halfbeak
inhabits clear, forest streams. As with other halfbeaks it is a surface
dweller which continuously faces upstream while it searches for food prey
such as fallen insects.
It can be distinguished
from the similar Pygmy Halfbeak
Dermogenys pusillus by the position of the dorsal fin which begins
forward of the anal fin. The Forest Halfbeak is also more colourful, and
bears a small tell-tale drooping appendage at the front of the lower jaw
(see inset).
The species ranges from
Southern Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to parts
of Indonesia.
Figs 1 to 3 : Forest
Halfbeaks from shallow, forest streams in Singapore.
References :
Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore.
Singapore Science Centre.
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