Ballyhoo

Ballyhoo
Ballyhoo
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Beloniformes
Family: Hemiramphidae
Genus: Hemiramphus
Species:
H. brasiliensis
Binomial name
Hemiramphus brasiliensis
Synonyms
  • Esox brasiliensis Linnaeus, 1758
  • Hemiramphus brownii Valenciennes, 1847
  • Macrognathus brevirostris Gronow, 1854
  • Hemirhamphus filamentosus Poey, 1860

The ballyhoo halfbeak or ballyhoo (Hemiramphus brasiliensis) is a baitfish of the halfbeak family (Hemiramphidae). It is similar to the Balao halfbeak (H. balao) in most features. Ballyhoo are frequently used as cut bait and for trolling purposes by saltwater sportsmen. The fish is reported to have caused ciguatera poisoning in humans.

Also known as balahu, redtailed balao, and yellowtail ballyhoo, ballyhoo can be seen above the waters skimming the surface to escape from their predators. The appearance is similar to skipping stones on the water.

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