Atlantic Needlefish
Strongylura marina
- Class
- Ray-finned fish
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 1,037
- Most observed in
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
The Atlantic needlefish (Strongylura marina) is a common demersal needlefish species common in marinas and other areas with minimal currents. Body very elongated, rounded; extremely elongated jaws form a long beak, with numerous needle-like teeth; rear of the top jaw-bone by being exposed when the mouth is closed. It has no gill rakers, the fins without spines; low lobes at the front of the dorsal and anal fins. Its dorsal fin is composed of 14–17 rays, anal fins is composed of 16–20 rays, and pectorals 10–12. Atlantic needlefish are found from Maine to Brazil and have been known to venture into fresh water for short periods, water columns, estuary, and reef associated.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Strongylura marina”.