grows rapidly at first, attaining a length of up to in the first three years, after which point growth slows. This species lives for a maximum age of about 9 years, at which point the fish reach up to and weigh about . Relationship to humans Halfbeak fisheries Halfbeaks are not a major target for commercial fisheries, though small fisheries for them exist in some places, for example in South Australia where fisheries target the southern sea garfish (Hyporhamphus melanochir). and the eastern sea garfish (Hyporhamphus australis). Halfbeaks are caught by a variety of methods including seines and pelagic trawls, dip-netting under lights at night, and with haul nets. They are utilized fresh, dried, smoked, or salted, and they are considered good eating. However, even where halfbeaks are targeted by fisheries, they tend to be of secondary importance compared with other edible fish species. In some localities significant bait fisheries exist to supply sport fishermen. One study of a bait fishery in Florida that targets Hemiramphus brasiliensis and Hemiramphus balao suggests that despite increases in the size of the fishery the population is stable and the annual catch is valued at around $500,000. See also USS Halfbeak (SS-352) American submarine named after these fish References Beloniformes Fish of Hawaii Extant Eocene first appearances Paraphyletic groups