Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic needlefish (Strongylura marina) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Belonidae that grows up to 111 cm.
Western Atlantic along North and South America, in surface water of the coast, bays and river mouths; goes far into fresh water.
Description
The Atlantic needlefish is a very slender, silvery-green surface fish of the family Belonidae (needlefishes) reaching about 1.1 metres. The needle-shaped body ends in a long, thin beak with numerous small, sharp teeth, with which the fish hunts small fish at the surface. The species lives in surface water of coast, bays and river mouths along the American Atlantic coast and ranges far into fresh water; it tolerates a wide range of salinity. When disturbed it leaps in a straight line across the water, which can make a leaping fish dangerous with its pointed beak. Because of its slender build and tough flesh it is little eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic needlefish?
The Atlantic needlefish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very slender, silvery-green surface fish with a long, thin beak set with teeth; skips across the water.
Where does the Atlantic needlefish live?
The Atlantic needlefish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic along North and South America, in surface water of the coast, bays and river mouths; goes far into fresh water.
How big does the Atlantic needlefish get?
The Atlantic needlefish grows to a maximum of about 111 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Atlantic needlefish dangerous to humans?
The Atlantic needlefish can cause injury; handle it with care. The long, toothed beak can cause puncture or stab wounds from a leaping fish; keep clear when unhooking.
Is the Atlantic needlefish edible?
The Atlantic needlefish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Strongylura
More from the family Belonidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic needlefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic needlefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.