Fish Id: A Guide To East Coast Fishes

BALAO, called BALLYHOO Heimramphus brasiliensis, and Heimramphus balao.

Two of several species of halfbeaks, very similar, Blue/green back, silver belly size ranging from 6-12 inches. Both have lower jaw with orange tip, balao has long pectoral fin, brasiliensis has short pectoral fin. The ballyhoo belong to the same family as the flying fishes, but are not as able to glide on the surface, and they do not have "wings". They are found in warmer waters--you aren't as likely to see them up here except during the summer months, but we sell frozen ones as bait fish.

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