Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic needlefish (Scomberesox saurus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scomberesocidae that grows up to 50 cm.
North Atlantic from Iceland and Norway to the Mediterranean Sea and Morocco; western Atlantic from the Gulf of St Lawrence to North Carolina.
Description
The Atlantic saury is a slender, streamlined schooling fish of the family Scomberesocidae reaching about 50 cm. The elongate body is blue-green on the back and silvery on the flanks, with thin, beak-like jaws and a row of small finlets before the forked tail, much like mackerels. The saury lives pelagically in open water of the northern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean and forms large schools that sometimes come close inshore. It feeds on zooplankton, fish larvae and small fish. When threatened the species often leaps out of the water. It is highly migratory and is fished only on a modest scale.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic needlefish?
The Atlantic needlefish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Slender, streamlined schooling fish with thin, beak-like jaws and a row of small fins (finlets) before the forked tail; often jumps out of the water when in danger.
Where does the Atlantic needlefish live?
The Atlantic needlefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North Atlantic from Iceland and Norway to the Mediterranean Sea and Morocco; western Atlantic from the Gulf of St Lawrence to North Carolina.
How big does the Atlantic needlefish get?
The Atlantic needlefish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 32 cm.
Is the Atlantic needlefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic needlefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
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 Scomberesox
More from the family Scomberesocidae
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.