title: [Injuries caused by garfish in New Caledonia and its dependencies].
abstract: 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.
authors: Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Robert Picqué, Bordeaux.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Paux
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Bahuaud
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000209:etiology*; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009510:New Caledonia
vernacular_title: Les accidents causés par les aiguillettes en Nouvelle-Caledonie et ses dépendances.