Fin's Fish Guide
The Barred garfish (Hemiramphus far) is a brackish-water fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; coastal waters around high islands and continental coasts.
Description
The black-barred halfbeak is a halfbeak of the family Hemiramphidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a few conspicuous dark, vertical blotches or bars on the flank and a strongly elongated, beak-like lower jaw with a reddish tip. It lives in coastal waters around high islands and continental shores and forms schools just below the surface. As an omnivore it feeds on drifting seagrass, algae, small zooplankton and small invertebrates. Halfbeaks can 'skip' over the water when disturbed. The species is a local food and bait fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barred garfish?
The Barred garfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark vertical flank blotches and an elongated beak-like lower jaw with a red tip; schooling surface fish.
Where does the Barred garfish live?
The Barred garfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; coastal waters around high islands and continental coasts.
How big does the Barred garfish get?
The Barred garfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Barred garfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Barred garfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Barred garfish edible?
Yes, the Barred garfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Barred garfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemiramphus
More from the family Hemiramphidae
Want the complete picture on the Barred garfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barred garfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.