Fin's Fish Guide
The Buffonis halfbeak (Zenarchopterus buffonis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Zenarchopteridae that grows up to 23 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; coastal waters, estuaries and lower reaches of rivers.
Description
Buffon's river garfish is a halfbeak (Zenarchopteridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a slender, silvery body with a short upper jaw and a strongly elongated, beak-like lower jaw. It keeps at the water surface in coastal waters, estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers. It feeds mainly on terrestrial insects fallen onto the water. Fertilisation is presumably internal, but the species lays eggs. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Buffonis halfbeak?
The Buffonis halfbeak has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Elongated, beak-shaped lower jaw; surface fish of estuaries that eats land insects, oviparous.
Where does the Buffonis halfbeak live?
The Buffonis halfbeak lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; coastal waters, estuaries and lower reaches of rivers.
How big does the Buffonis halfbeak get?
The Buffonis halfbeak grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.
Is the Buffonis halfbeak dangerous to humans?
No, the Buffonis halfbeak is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Buffonis halfbeak edible?
The Buffonis halfbeak is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Zenarchopterus
More from the family Zenarchopteridae
Want the complete picture on the Buffonis halfbeak?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Buffonis halfbeak is one of 12,519 species in the app.