Hemiramphus robustus Günther, 1866
Three-by-two garfish
photo by Good, P.

Family:  Hemiramphidae (Halfbeaks)
Max. size:  31.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; brackish; marine; depth range - 0 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: endemic to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-14; Vertebrae: 52-55. This species is distinguished by the following characters: one dark spot on sides of body (below the dorsal fin); anal-fin rays 11-14 (usually 12-13); dorsal fin with well-developed anterior lobe, pigmented on anterior part; body width 1.3-1.8 times its depth; absence of scales on upper jaw; no preorbital ridge (Ref. 9843).
Biology:  A coastal species mostly found in more turbid inshore waters replacing Hemiramphus far, which is more common in more oceanic waters (Ref. 9843). Inhabits estuaries (Ref. 75154). A high quality food fish well-known in markets of Brisbane, Queensland (Ref. 9843).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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