Surface Swimming Needlefish

The saltwater garfish, also commonly known as garpike or needlefish, is found in the temperate and tropical brackish and marine waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean, Caribbean, Black, and Baltic Seas. Not to be confused with its freshwater cousin, the North American gar of the Lepisosteidae family, the marine garfish is a member of the Belonidae family.

This slender, long fish likes to school just below the water’s surface, so when diving with garfish, you must remember to look for them just upon your ascent and descent. Garfish can grow up to 75 cm (30 in) in length and have a long row of tiny, sharp teeth. They are recognizable not only by their propensity to stay at the water’s surface but by their silver bodies that exhibit a bluish-green shine. Check out the map below to see where you can go diving with garfish.