Belone belone

(Lowe, 1839)

Vernacular names
English : Garfish, Garpike
French : Orphie, Aiguillette de mer

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Beloniformes
Family : Belonidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Very long, slender, cylindrical body, reaching a maximum length of 90 cm for a weight of 1.3 kg. Big eyes, very long mouth with lower jaw slightly longer than upper jaw and with reddish tip. Coloration silvery with slight bluish tinge on flanks.

Range and habitat
The species is found in the northern half of eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Norway to Mediterranean Sea, south to Cape Verde. Lives in open waters, usually very close to the surface.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is still locally common but its true status is difficult to assess as it’s migratory and many populations show yearly fluctuations.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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