Fin's Fish Guide
The Duncker's river garfish (Zenarchopterus dunckeri) is a brackish-water fish of the family Zenarchopteridae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
Duncker's river garfish is a small halfbeak from coastal, estuarine and fresh water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a slender, elongate body with a short, needle-like extended lower jaw. As a surface swimmer it lives in mangroves, river mouths and coastal creeks and snatches insects and small zooplankton from the water surface. The male has modified fins for internal fertilisation. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Duncker's river garfish?
The Duncker's river garfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Short needle-shaped lower jaw; surface swimmer with internal fertilisation
Where does the Duncker's river garfish live?
The Duncker's river garfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Duncker's river garfish get?
The Duncker's river garfish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Duncker's river garfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Duncker's river garfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Duncker's river garfish edible?
The Duncker's river garfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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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 Duncker's river garfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Duncker's river garfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.