Order : Beloniformes
Family : ZENACHOPTERIDAE
Species : Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus

Maximum length (excluding tail fin) : 10 cm
Common length (including tail fin) : 6 cm
(Fishbase, 2026)

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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.

Fig 4 : Freshwater Swamp Forest; small streams in such areas provide core habitat for Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus.


References :

Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.