“Gar” and “Garfish” in Barbados 4Oct2025

My curiosity about these fish began with a question about “houndfish”

Observed Mar 5, 2025 near Reef Crest, in Barbados MPA. View iNaturalist record. iNaturalist member sue1001 disagreed with my ID of it as a redfin needlefish (Strongylura notata), commenting “[it’s a]” Houndfish Tylosurus crocodilus – [note] Shorter, thicker beak. No red/yellow fins. Nice find!”
Now I’m not so sure, only that it is a needlefish – or what Bajans call “gar” or “garfish”.
Click on images for larger versions

My interest in the category of fish caught in Barbados that are commonly called “gar fish” or “garfish” arose from a fish I had photographed and posted on iNaturalist, suggesting it was a redfin needlefish; a more knowledgeable iNat. member identified it as a houndfish (see pic at right). I have often seen groups of this fish – or a very similar species – near the reef crest of fringing reefs in the Barbados MPA, but could not get close enough to them to get a really good image.

I was curious as to how common houndfish might be in Barbados. I could find no references to “Houndfish, Barbados” on social media, so I sent this message to spearfishingbarbados.com on Aug 31, 2025… Read More

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