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Apri l'appDescrizione
Belone belone, commonly known as the Garfish or Aguglia, is a pelagic, schooling marine fish belonging to the family Belonidae. It is characterized by its extremely elongated, slender body and distinctive long, narrow jaws filled with sharp teeth. This species is a fast-swimming predator, often found near the surface in coastal and offshore waters. Its flesh is edible, though its green bones (due to biliverdin) can be off-putting to some.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- eel-like
- Colorazione
- Dorsal side is dark blue to greenish-blue, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. A distinct silvery lateral stripe is often present. The bones are characteristically green due to biliverdin.
- Tipo di squame
- cycloid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Extremely elongated, slender body, almost cylindrical in cross-section., Very long, narrow, beak-like jaws, with the lower jaw slightly longer than the upper jaw in adults., Numerous sharp, conical teeth in both jaws., Dorsal and anal fins are positioned far back on the body, nearly opposite each other., Green bones (biliverdin coloration).
- Pinna dorsale
- Single dorsal fin, located posteriorly, with 16-20 soft rays. No spines.
- Pinna caudale
- Caudal fin is forked, with the lower lobe slightly longer than the upper lobe.
- Pinna pettorale
- Small, triangular, and positioned low on the body.
- Pinne distintive
- Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally, well behind the pectoral fins. Dorsal and anal fins are symmetrical and positioned far back, contributing to its streamlined profile.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Body Shape and Jaws
Look for the extremely elongated, slender body and the very long, narrow, beak-like jaws. The lower jaw is typically slightly longer than the upper jaw in adults.
Fin Placement
Note the dorsal and anal fins are positioned far back on the body, almost directly opposite each other, close to the caudal fin.
Coloration
Observe the dark blue to greenish-blue dorsal side, silvery flanks, and white belly. The presence of green bones upon dissection is a definitive characteristic.
Size
Adults typically range from 45-75 cm (18-30 inches) in total length, with a maximum recorded length of about 93 cm (37 inches) and a weight of up to 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs).
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Primarily epipelagic, from the surface down to approximately 20 meters, occasionally deeper (up to 200 meters).
- Ambiente
- Coastal and offshore pelagic waters, often found in schools near the surface, especially over seagrass beds or rocky areas during spawning. Migratory.
- Areale geografico
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Iceland and Norway south to the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Also found in the Baltic Sea.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: expert
- Temperamento: aggressive
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size, speed, and specialized feeding requirements. Requires very large public aquaria with specialized care.
- Temperatura: 15-22°C (59-72°F)
- Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
- Durezza: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibilità: Only with very large, fast-moving, similarly sized predatory fish in specialized exhibits. Not compatible with smaller or slower species.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires immense swimming space, high water quality, strong filtration, and a constant supply of live or fresh whole fish prey. Highly prone to injury in confined spaces due to its speed and tendency to jump.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Typically found closer to shore in spring and summer for spawning, moving to deeper, offshore waters in autumn and winter.
- Prezzo di mercato: Moderate, varies regionally
- Importanza commerciale: medium
- Sapore: Mild, slightly sweet, distinct fish flavor
- Consistenza: Firm, flaky, white flesh
- Metodi di cottura: Grilling, Frying, Baking, Smoking
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins (e.g., B12, D). Low in fat.
Fatti chiave
Green Bonesinteresting
The bones of the Garfish are distinctly green due to the presence of biliverdin, a bile pigment. This is completely harmless and does not affect the taste or edibility of the fish.
Surface Predatorbehavior
Garfish are highly adapted for life near the surface, often seen swimming just below the water's edge. Their streamlined body and dorsal coloration provide camouflage against the sky for predators below, and their silvery belly against the water's surface for predators above.
Leaping Behaviorbehavior
When startled or pursuing prey, Garfish are known to leap out of the water, sometimes covering considerable distances. This behavior can be a hazard to boaters, especially at night when they may be attracted to lights.
Migratory Spawnersbehavior
Belone belone undertakes seasonal migrations, moving into shallower coastal waters and estuaries in spring and early summer to spawn. Their eggs are relatively large and possess sticky filaments that attach to seagrass, algae, or other submerged vegetation.
Dietary Habitsbehavior
Garfish are opportunistic predators, primarily feeding on small schooling fish such as sardines, anchovies, sprats, and juvenile mackerel. They also consume crustaceans and cephalopods. They use their sharp teeth to grasp and hold their prey.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Maneggiare con cura- Livello di sicurezza: caution
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: Garfish possess numerous sharp teeth, and their long, pointed jaws can inflict painful wounds if handled carelessly. They are also known to jump vigorously when caught, potentially causing injury with their sharp beaks. Use caution when unhooking. Their bones are green, which is harmless but can be surprising.
Specie simili
Atlantic Needlefish
Strongylura marina
Found in the Western Atlantic. While similar in body shape and jaw structure, Belone belone has a more pronounced lower jaw extension in adults and a slightly different fin ray count. Strongylura marina typically has a more robust body and often a darker lateral stripe.
Houndfish
Tylosurus crocodilus
Larger and more robust than Belone belone, with a more powerful, crocodile-like jaw. The Houndfish has a distinct dark bar or blotch on the operculum and often a more greenish-brown dorsal coloration. Primarily tropical/subtropical.
Flat Needlefish
Ablennes hians
Distinguished by its strongly compressed (flattened) body, especially laterally, and often has dark vertical bars on its sides, which Belone belone lacks. Its jaws are also very long but typically more slender than those of the Houndfish.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Beloniformes
- Famiglia
- Belonidae
- Genere
- Belone
- Specie
- Belone belone
Esplora Garfish
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