Fin's Fish Guide
The Garfish (Belone belone) is a saltwater fish of the family Belonidae that grows up to 104 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, in surface water.
Description
The garfish is a very elongate, slender predator of the family Belonidae reaching about 1 metre. Both jaws are extended into a long, thin beak full of small, sharp teeth; the back is blue-green and the belly silvery-white. A striking feature is that the garfish's bones turn green, which is harmless but puts many people off. The species lives in schools in the surface water of the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean and hunts small schooling fish at speed. In spring it moves to the coast to spawn, the eggs attaching with sticky threads to weeds and drifting material. The garfish is a popular sport and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Garfish?
The Garfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Very elongated body with both jaws extended into a long, toothed beak; the bones are strikingly green.
Where does the Garfish live?
The Garfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, in surface water.
How big does the Garfish get?
The Garfish grows to a maximum of about 104 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Garfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Garfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Garfish edible?
Yes, the Garfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the 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 Belone
More from the family Belonidae
Want the complete picture on the Garfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Garfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.