Fin's Fish Guide
The Dusky garfish (Hyporhamphus melanochir) is a brackish-water fish of the family Hemiramphidae that grows up to 52 cm.
Temperate coastal waters of southern Australia; estuaries, bays and seagrass.
Description
The southern sea garfish is a halfbeak (Hemiramphidae) from the temperate coastal waters of southern Australia. The species has a slender, silvery body with a bright flank stripe and the strongly elongated lower jaw characteristic of halfbeaks, while the upper jaw remains short. It lives close inshore at the surface of estuaries, bays, inlets and gulfs to about 20 m deep, and forms schools, often in seagrass beds. It feeds on seagrass, algae and small zooplankton. It is a valued sport and food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dusky garfish?
The Dusky garfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Greatly elongated lower jaw; schooling surface fish of seagrass and estuaries; sport fish.
Where does the Dusky garfish live?
The Dusky garfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Temperate coastal waters of southern Australia; estuaries, bays and seagrass.
How big does the Dusky garfish get?
The Dusky garfish grows to a maximum of about 52 cm.
Is the Dusky garfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Dusky garfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dusky garfish edible?
Yes, the Dusky garfish is commonly 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 Dusky garfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dusky garfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.