Injuries caused by garfish in new Caledonia and its dependencies
Paux, P.; Bahuaud, J.
Medecine Tropicale Revue du Corps de Sante Colonial 49(3): 289-292
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-682X PMID: 2811657 Document Number: 338638
Garfish, which are found in the Indo-Pacific ocean areas, have a long spear-like beak with two narrow jaws and small pointed teeth. They often make sudden leaps while swimming, particularly when attracted by bright lights or when frightened by boats or by one of their predators, mainly in warm seasons. Serious injuries may be caused by a fish jumping and its beak piercing part of the body. The surface wound may appear deceptively small and innocent but if the wound is on the chest or abdomen the beak may have penetrated sufficiently deep to cause internal injuries and death may result. Patients may have to be admitted to the hospital for removal of the beak which may remain embedded in a limb.