Fin's Fish Guide
The Balinese garfish (Hyporhamphus balinensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 17 cm.
Indo-West Pacific, from the Mozambique Channel and the southern Red Sea to Samoa; warm reef-associated surface water.
Description
The Balinese garfish (Hyporhamphus balinensis) is a halfbeak of the Indo-West Pacific, widespread from the Mozambique Channel and the southern Red Sea through the Western Central Pacific east to Samoa. It grows to about 17 centimetres and lives reef-associated in warm tropical surface water. Characteristic of halfbeaks is the greatly elongated, beak-like lower jaw while the upper jaw stays short. The slender, silvery body with a greenish back often bears a silver lateral stripe. This surface-dwelling fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Balinese garfish?
The Balinese garfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Greatly elongated, beak-shaped lower jaw with a short upper jaw; lives just below the water surface.
Where does the Balinese garfish live?
The Balinese garfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, from the Mozambique Channel and the southern Red Sea to Samoa; warm reef-associated surface water.
How big does the Balinese garfish get?
The Balinese garfish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.
Is the Balinese garfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Balinese garfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Balinese garfish edible?
The Balinese garfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hyporhamphus
More from the family Hemiramphidae
Want the complete picture on the Balinese garfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Balinese garfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.