Fin's Fish Guide
The Spottail needlefish (Strongylura urvillii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Belonidae that grows up to 26 cm.
Oceania: Australia, Solomon Is., Indonesia, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea and others
Description
The Spottail needlefish is a needlefish (Belonidae) from shallow coastal and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a very slender, silvery, torpedo-shaped body with long, thin jaws full of needle-sharp teeth. As a fast predator of the surface layer it hunts small schooling fish. Its pointed beak and muscular force can give a puncture or cut wound during a leap or when handled; otherwise it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spottail needlefish?
The Spottail needlefish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Spottail needlefish live?
The Spottail needlefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Oceania: Australia, Solomon Is., Indonesia, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea and others
How big does the Spottail needlefish get?
The Spottail needlefish grows to a maximum of about 26 cm. On average the species is around 16 cm.
Is the Spottail needlefish dangerous to humans?
The Spottail needlefish can cause injury; handle it with care. For a cut or puncture from a sharp head or fin spine: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Check that no spine fragment remains and watch for signs of infection; for a deep wound update tetanus protection.
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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 Spottail needlefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spottail needlefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.