Needlefish

Usually 1 foot or less; some reach 3 feet or so. World record 3 pounds, 4 ounces.

Family	Belonidae
Description	Needlefishes
Environment	Fresh, Brackish & Marine
Etymology	Greek, belone = needle
Genus	10
No. of Species	47
Order	Beloniformes
Class	Actinopterygii
Reproductive Guild	Nonguarders
Distribution	Marine and freshwater. Tropical and temperate waters. Diagnostic Features: Elongate fishes with both upper and lower jaws extended into long beaks filled with sharp teeth (except in neotenic Belonion); nostrils in a pit anterior to eyes. No spines in fins; dorsal and anal fins posterior in position; pectoral fins short. Dorsal fin with 11-43 rays; anal fin with 12-39 rays, pelvic fins, with 6 soft rays, are located in an abdominal position; and pectoral fins with 5-15 rays. Lateral line running down from pectoral fin origin and then along ventral margin of body. Scales small, cycloid, easily detached. Precaudal vertebrae 33-65, caudal vertebrae 19-41 and total vertebrae 52-97. Colour: These fishes live at the surface and are protectively colored for this mode of life by being green or blue on the back and silvery white on the lower sides and belly. Usually, a dusky or dark blue stripe along sides; fleshy tip of lower jaw frequently red or orange. Some fresh water needlefishes reach only 6 or 7 cm in total length while some marine species may attain 2 m. Composition of Family: The Belonidae contains 10 genera and 34 species. Four genera are monotypic: the southern African Petalichthys, the worldwide Ablennes and Platybelone, and apparently the Asian freshwater Xenetodon. The eastern Atlantic Belone contains two species. Tylosurus contains six species of strictly marine species. Three genera are restricted to freshwaters of South America: Belonion (two species), Potamorrhaphis (three), and Pseudotylosurus (two). The most speciose genus, Strongylura, contains 14 species, mostly marine, some estuarine, and three strictly freshwater, two of which are found in Central and South America, S. fluviatilis from Ecuador and Colombia and S. hubbsi from Mexico and Guatemala. Five species are considered polytypic, containing a total of 17 subspecies. Habitat and Biology: Most species are marine, but some occur in freshwaters. Carnivorous, feeding largely on small fishes which they catch sideways in their beaks. Needlefishes tend to leap and skitter at the surface and some people have been injured when accidentally struck by them, particularly at night when the fishes are attracted by lights. Eggs have entangling tendrils which act as holdfasts to each other and to objects in the water (Ref. 205). Interest to Fisheries: Caught by casting or trolling surface or near-surface lures and in floating gill nets. Flesh excellent in flavor although some people have misgivings about eating it due to the presence of many small bones and the green color of the bones.

Agujon

Needlefishes, seem to be everywhere, from the open sea to well up coastal streams into fresh water, always at the surface, and always on the alert for an un-weighted bait. Adults found on reef flats, in lagoons, or in freshwater. Juveniles found among floating algae. Feeds mainly on small fishes. Oviparous . Eggs may be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the egg's surface. During the day preys on small fishes and shrimps close to water surface, approaching potential prey stealthily within lunging range, but when disturbed, may leap and skitter at the surface. At night, young individuals rest close to the surface, aligned with semi-submersed leaves of marsh grass in mangroves, and when disturbed, usually sinks slowly and hides within vegetation. The resemblance to grass blades and its night-time behavior are believed to be defensive adaptations against nocturnal visually oriented predators like night herons

There are several species. All are nuisances to anglers. They are characterized by slender bodies and long, thin bills; both upper and lower beaks are equipped with many sharp teeth. Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal soft rays: 16 - 20. Caudal peduncle without a lateral keel, the least depth about equal to the width; maxilla exposed posteriorly; opercles scaled.

Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: southeastern Florida (USA), Bahamas, and northeastern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil.
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

Extra-light gear can provide some sport with extra-large Needlefish, but anglers generally try to avoid them. Needlefish will bite anything, and have a particular liking for small strips and bits of shrimp.