Eastern Sea Garfish, Hyporhamphus australis (Steindachner, 1866)

ANIMAL SPECIES:Eastern Sea Garfish, Hyporhamphus australis (Steindachner, 1866)

The Eastern Sea Garfish is found in marine waters along the eastern Australian coast from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria. It is a schooling species that grows to 52 cm in length.

Identification

At least 18 species of garfishes are known from Australian waters. They can be difficult to accurately identify. Most have very elongate silvery bodies with a long lower jaw and short triangular upper jaw.

Size range

The Eastern Sea Garfish grows to 52 cm in length.

Distribution

The Eastern Sea Garfish is found in marine waters along the eastern Australian coast from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Eastern Sea Garfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Behaviour and adaptations

Other behaviours and adaptations

It is a schooling species.

Classification

Species:: australis
Genus:: Hyporhamphus
Family:: Hemiramphidae
Order:: Beloniformes
Class:: Actinopterygii
Subphylum:: Vertebrata
Phylum:: Chordata
Kingdom:: Animalia

What does this mean?

References

Allen, G.R., D.F. Hoese, J.R. Paxton, J.E. Randall, B.C. Russell, W.A. Starck, F.H. Talbot & GP Whitley. l976. An annotated checklist of the fishes of Lord Howe Island. Records of the Australian Museum, 30 (15):365-454.
Francis, M.P. 1993. Checklist of the Coastal Fishes of Lord Howe, Norfolk, and Kermadec Islands, south-west Pacific Ocean. Pacific Science. 47 (2):136-170.
Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.

Last Updated: 3 February 2012

Share: