About Hemiramphus brasiliensis (Linnaeus, 1758)
This species, commonly known as the jumping halfbeak or ballyhoo, has a characteristic halfbeak body shape: it has a cylindrical, elongated body and an elongated lower jaw. No spines are present on its fins. Its dorsal fins have 13–14 rays, while its anal fins have 12–13 rays. The longest recorded individual of this species reached 55 cm in total length, and most individuals do not grow longer than 35 cm. There is no ridge between this species' nostril and eye. It feeds primarily on sea grasses and small fish. It is found across tropical to warm temperate latitudes on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. In Florida, it inhabits shallow bank areas or grassflats that are associated with coral reefs.
