How big is the Garfish?

Garfish (Belone belone) reaches 40–95 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Garfish?

Garfish is found between 0–30 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Garfish?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Garfish?

Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Garfish (Belone belone)

Key facts

Scientific name: Belone belone
Common name: Garfish
Category: Fish
Family: Belonidae
Genus: Belone
Size: 40–95 cm
Depth: 0–30 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: open-water
Behaviours: schooling, fast-moving
Ocean zones: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Belone belone reaches 95 cm. Very long slender body (hence needlefish), jaws prolonged into a long pointed beak lined with small teeth. Blue back, silver flanks. Forms surface schools visible from boats or while snorkeling, chases small fish at high speed. Curious culinary trait: bones turn green when cooked (due to biliverdin), completely harmless.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Garfish?: Garfish (Belone belone) reaches 40–95 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Garfish?: Garfish is found between 0–30 m deep.
Is the Garfish dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Garfish?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Garfish?: Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Belonidae

Tylosurus acus - Agujon needlefish

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126375)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2369178)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia