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Belone belone, commonly known as the Garfish or Agulhinha, is a pelagic, predatory ray-finned fish characterized by its extremely elongated, slender body and distinctive long, narrow jaws filled with sharp teeth. It is a schooling fish found in temperate and subtropical waters of the North Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea. Known for its migratory behavior, it often forms large shoals near the surface, particularly during spawning season. Its flesh is edible, though its green bones can sometimes deter consumers.
Características físicas
- Formato do corpo
- elongated
- Coloração
- Dorsal side is dark blue to greenish-blue, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. A distinct silvery stripe often runs along the lateral line. The bones are characteristically green due to biliverdin pigment.
- Tipo de escama
- cycloid
- Posição da boca
- terminal
- Características distintivas
- Extremely elongated, slender body, Long, narrow, beak-like jaws, Jaws armed with numerous sharp, conical teeth, Dorsal and anal fins set far back on the body, nearly opposite each other, Green bones (due to biliverdin)
- Nadadeira dorsal
- Single dorsal fin, positioned far back on the body, with 16-20 soft rays. It is roughly symmetrical with the anal fin.
- Nadadeira caudal
- Caudal fin is forked, with the lower lobe slightly longer than the upper lobe.
- Nadadeira peitoral
- Small, triangular pectoral fins, positioned low on the body.
- Nadadeiras características
- Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally. The dorsal and anal fins are positioned posteriorly, giving the fish a streamlined appearance for fast swimming.
Dicas de identificação
Body Shape
Look for an exceptionally long, thin, and cylindrical body, resembling a spear or needle.
Jaws
The most striking feature is the very long, pointed upper and lower jaws, forming a 'beak' filled with small, sharp teeth.
Fin Placement
Note the dorsal and anal fins are located very far back on the body, almost opposite each other, close to the caudal fin.
Coloration
Observe the dark blue-green back, silvery sides, and white belly. The presence of green bones upon filleting is a definitive characteristic.
Habitat
- Tipo de água
- saltwater
- Profundidade
- Primarily pelagic, inhabiting surface waters down to about 20 meters, but can be found deeper (up to 200 meters) during non-spawning periods.
- Ambiente
- Coastal and offshore pelagic zones, often near the surface. Prefers open water but can be found in estuaries and bays during migrations.
- Distribuição geográfica
- North Atlantic Ocean, including the coasts of Europe (from Iceland and Norway south to the Iberian Peninsula), the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea. Also found off the coast of North Africa.
Informações sobre aquário
- Nível de cuidado: expert
- Temperamento: aggressive
- Alimentação: carnivore
- Tamanho mínimo do aquário: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size and specialized needs.
- Temperatura: 15-22°C (59-72°F)
- Nível de pH: 7.8-8.4
- Dureza da água: 1.020-1.025 SG
- Compatibilidade: Not compatible with most other species due to predatory nature and size. Requires a very large, species-specific exhibit.
- Requisitos especiais: Requires extremely large, open tanks with strong filtration and specific feeding regimens. Not typically kept in captivity outside of public aquariums.
Informações no ambiente natural
- Estado de conservação: least concern
- Sazonalidade: Migratory; typically found closer to shore in spring and summer for spawning, moving to deeper, warmer waters in winter.
- Preço de mercado: Varies regionally, generally moderate.
- Importância comercial: medium
- Sabor: Mild, slightly sweet, distinct fish flavor.
- Textura: Firm, flaky, white flesh.
- Métodos de preparo: Grilled, Fried, Baked, Smoked
- Valor nutricional: Good source of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins.
Fatos principais
Green Bonesinteresting
The most distinctive and often surprising feature of the Garfish is its green-colored bones, caused by the pigment biliverdin. This is completely harmless and does not affect the taste or edibility of the fish.
Surface Dwellerbehavior
Garfish are primarily pelagic and often swim very close to the surface, sometimes leaping out of the water when pursued by predators or when startled.
Migratory Predatorbehavior
These fish undertake significant migrations, moving to coastal waters for spawning in spring and summer, and retreating to deeper, warmer waters during winter. They are active predators, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans.
Angler's Delightinteresting
Garfish are a popular target for recreational anglers due to their fighting spirit and acrobatic leaps when hooked. They are often caught using small baits or lures fished near the surface.
Informações de segurança
Seguro- Nível de segurança: safe
- Venenoso: Não
- Comestibilidade: edible
- Observações de manuseio: Garfish are not venomous. However, their sharp teeth can inflict painful bites if handled carelessly. Use caution when unhooking or handling live specimens. The green bones are harmless and are a natural pigment (biliverdin), not a sign of spoilage or toxicity.
Espécies similares
Atlantic Needlefish
Strongylura marina
While also having an elongated body and needle-like jaws, Strongylura marina typically has a more pronounced lateral line and often a slightly different fin ray count. Its geographic range is primarily the western Atlantic, though some overlap can occur. Belone belone generally has a more robust body compared to the often more delicate Strongylura species.
Houndfish
Tylosurus crocodilus
The Houndfish is generally much larger and more robust than Belone belone, with a more powerful, conical snout and larger teeth. Its caudal fin is deeply forked, and it often has a distinct dark bar or spot on the operculum. Primarily found in tropical and subtropical waters globally.
Sauries (e.g., Scomberesox saurus)
Scomberesox saurus
Sauries also have elongated bodies and pointed jaws, but they possess a series of small finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins, a feature absent in Belone belone. Their jaws are typically shorter and less pronounced than those of the Garfish.
Classificação científica
- Reino
- Animalia
- Filo
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordem
- Beloniformes
- Família
- Belonidae
- Gênero
- Belone
- Espécie
- Belone belone
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