Fin's Fish Guide
The Short-beaked garfish (Belone svetovidovi) is a saltwater fish of the family Belonidae that grows up to 42 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, pelagic in the surface water of the open sea.
Description
The short-beaked garfish is a very slender, needle-shaped surface fish of the family Belonidae (needlefishes) reaching about 42 cm. The streamlined, silvery-green body extends at the front into long jaws set with sharp teeth; the beak is shorter than in the common garfish. As in related garfishes the bones are strikingly green, which is harmless. The species lives pelagically in the surface water of the open Atlantic and the Mediterranean, where it hunts small schooling fish in schools. When disturbed it can skip across the surface in great leaps. It spawns in the warm months, with eggs that attach by adhesive threads to drifting material. Locally it is a valued sport and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Short-beaked garfish?
The Short-beaked garfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very slender, needle-shaped surface fish with long, tooth-lined jaws; shorter-beaked than the common garfish, with green bones.
Where does the Short-beaked garfish live?
The Short-beaked garfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, pelagic in the surface water of the open sea.
How big does the Short-beaked garfish get?
The Short-beaked garfish grows to a maximum of about 42 cm.
Is the Short-beaked garfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Short-beaked garfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Short-beaked garfish edible?
Yes, the Short-beaked garfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Short-beaked 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 Short-beaked garfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Short-beaked garfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.