Other
Needlefish
Belonidae
BothBelonidaeGenerally not considered threatened, but some local populations may be vulnerable to habitat degradation and overfishing.
About
Needlefish are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies and long, beak-like jaws filled with sharp teeth. They are surface-dwelling predators, often seen near the water's surface, and are known for their ability to leap out of the water, sometimes posing a hazard to boaters.
- Average size
- 1 to 4 feet (30 to 120 cm), depending on the species
- Colors
- Silvery green or blue on the dorsal side, fading to silver or white on the ventral side. Often have a dark stripe along the lateral line.
- Diet
- Smaller fish, crustaceans, and zooplankton
- Region
- Worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. In the US, found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.