Fin's Fish Guide
The Agujon needlefish (Tylosurus acus) is a saltwater fish of the family Belonidae that grows up to 153 cm.
Worldwide in tropical and subtropical seas, including the warmer Atlantic Ocean, in surface water.
Description
The agujon needlefish is a very large, needle-shaped surface fish of the family Belonidae reaching about 1.5 metres. Both jaws are extended into a long, thin beak full of sharp teeth; the streamlined body is blue-green above and silvery-white below. The species lives in schools just below the surface of warm, open seas worldwide, including the warmer Atlantic, and hunts small schooling fish at speed. Like other needlefishes it can leap from the water at high speed when disturbed or drawn to light; its hard beak can then cause serious injuries. Because of this behaviour it is locally regarded as more dangerous than many far larger predators.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Agujon needlefish?
The Agujon needlefish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Very large, needle-shaped surface fish with long, toothed jaws; leaps out of the water at high speed when disturbed.
Where does the Agujon needlefish live?
The Agujon needlefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Worldwide in tropical and subtropical seas, including the warmer Atlantic Ocean, in surface water.
How big does the Agujon needlefish get?
The Agujon needlefish grows to a maximum of about 153 cm. On average the species is around 90 cm.
Is the Agujon needlefish dangerous to humans?
The Agujon needlefish can cause injury; handle it with care. Not venomous, but the fish sometimes leaps from the water at high speed toward lights and can cause serious puncture wounds with its sharp beak; keep clear around boat lights at night and treat any wound medically.
Is the Agujon needlefish edible?
The Agujon needlefish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Agujon needlefish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Tylosurus
More from the family Belonidae
Want the complete picture on the Agujon needlefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Agujon needlefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.