The Black Barred Halfbeak (*Hyporhamphus limbatus*) is a slender, surface-dwelling fish recognized by its elongated lower jaw and distinctive black bar markings. Found in brackish and coastal waters across the Indo-Pacific, particularly in Southeast Asia, this species is valued both as a food fish and as bait in larger fisheries. The top countries engaged in Black Barred Halfbeak fishing include Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries commonly harvest them using nets and traps. In these regions, halfbeaks contribute to local food security and are often sold fresh in markets or used to support the thriving baitfish trade for tuna and other predatory species. While not a major export commodity, the Black Barred Halfbeak plays a significant role in the coastal economies of these nations due to its abundance and ease of capture.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 37 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.