Freshwater garfish

📖 Overview

Adults occur primarily in rivers ; also in ponds, canals, beels, and inundated fields . Often found in slow-flowing pools in rivers with a rock or sand substrate . They inhabit large and medium-sized rivers with adults occurring in areas that lack floating vegetation . A solitary species that swims in midwater, usually against the current, and is capable of bursts of speed, especially when in pursuit of its prey. Observed to feed exclusively on crustaceans in the wild; but take live fish only when in an aquarium . Also feeds on small fishes and insects . Oviparous . Eggs may be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the egg's surface . This fish is capable of nipping the fingers or killing a person by leaping at them at great speed, however, suggests that the "killing a person" statement may be exaggerated). Marketed fresh .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 18; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 16 - 18. Body very elongate and slightly compressed. Dorsal fin inserted usually anterior to a vertical through the origin of the anal fin. Green-silvery dorsally, grading to whitish below. A silvery band with a dark margin run along the side; a series of four or five blotches (absent in young specimens) on sides between the pectoral and anal fins. Dorsal and anal fins with dark edges.: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Freshwater garfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

While aquarium books tend to describe this fish as a predator that eats animals such as fish and frogs, its natural diet appears to consist almost entirely of crustaceans.

🥚 Reproduction

Male pursues a slow-moving female and upon catching up with the female, will begin shuddering from side to side while the pair is oriented parallel to each other; the pair positions themselves close to submerged vegetation; male assumes a slight head-down position , with his anal fin curled under the female's vent; the pair begins trembling until a single large egg is released; each female produces about a dozen eggs per day; eggs hatch in about a week; no parental care .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; brackish; pelagic-neritic; pH range: 7.0 - 7.5; dH range: 20 - ?; non-migratory ; depth range 0 - 2 m . Tropical; 22°C - 28°C ; 38°N - 5°N

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 16 records indexed .

👥 Community & Contribute