Zenarchopterus buffonis

(Valenciennes, 1847)

Vernacular names
English : Buffon’s river-garfish
French : Demi-bec rayé

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

Identification
The species grows to 23 cm. Upper jaw very short but wide, lower jaw elongated and mostly black. Rest of body translucent whitish-beige with dark band (widening near tail) following lateral line. Barely visible vertical segments on flanks.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in coastal regions of India, Cambodia, China, Taiwan, south to Philippines, Indonesia, north Australia and Pacific islands. Lives in coastal marine waters, mangroves, estuaries and river mouths.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a large range and seems to remain common despite water pollution and habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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