The spotted halfbeak, scientific name Hemiramphus far, is a small, slender fish belonging to the family Hemiramphidae. They are commonly found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of Central and South America, as well as in the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean.

Spotted halfbeaks have a distinctive, elongated body shape, with a pointed snout and a slender tail. They can grow up to 20 centimeters in length, but are more commonly found at around 12 to 15 centimeters. Their bodies are mostly silver with a faint blue or green tint, and they have a series of small, black spots along their sides that give them their common name.

One of the most notable features of the spotted halfbeak is their distinctive lower jaw, which protrudes out beyond the upper jaw and is longer than the rest of their head. This elongated jaw allows them to feed on small prey such as insects, crustaceans, and small fish at the surface of the water.

Spotted halfbeaks are schooling fish and can be found in large groups in shallow waters, particularly near coral reefs or estuaries. They are also known to undertake spawning migrations, moving into freshwater areas to breed.

In terms of behavior, spotted halfbeaks are generally peaceful and do not pose a threat to other fish in their environment. They can be kept in captivity in a small group, but require a large, well-filtered tank with plenty of open swimming space and hiding places.

Overall, the spotted halfbeak is a fascinating and unique fish species that is prized by aquarists for their unusual appearance and peaceful nature.