Garfish is a saltwater fish belonging to the Belonidae family and is easily recognized by its slender, elongated body. Also known as needlefish, garfish is frequently consumed, especially in coastal regions, due to its bright silver appearance, long beak-like jaws, and flavorful flesh.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
- Its body is very slender, elongated, and cylindrical in shape.
- Its upper and lower jaws are elongated, forming a pointed, beak-like structure.
- Its back is dark blue or greenish, while its sides and belly are bright silver.
- Its bones may naturally have a greenish color. This does not mean that the fish is spoiled.
- It generally lives in schools and in waters close to the sea surface.
- It feeds on small fish, fish eggs, crustaceans, and plankton.
- It is found in the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, the Sea of Marmara, the Black Sea, and the eastern regions of the Atlantic Ocean.
- In Türkiye, it is caught extensively in coastal waters, especially during the autumn and winter months.
Garfish Calorie Content
100 grams of raw garfish contains approximately 107 kcal. A 150-gram serving provides approximately 161 kcal of energy. Garfish is a nutritious seafood rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
| Nutritional Value | Per 100 Grams | 1 Serving (150 g) | Daily Value per 100 Grams* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 107 kcal | 161 kcal | 5.4% |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 19.5 g | 29.3 g | 39% |
| Fat | 3.2 g | 4.8 g | 4.9% |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg | 127.5 mg | 28.3% |
| Vitamin A | 3 µg | 4.5 µg | 0.3% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 301 mg | 451.5 mg | 8.6% |
| Calcium | 79 mg | 118.5 mg | 7.9% |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 0.9 mg | 3.3% |
*Daily values are calculated based on an average 2,000-calorie diet. Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the season, size, fat content, storage conditions, and cooking method of the garfish.
