Length: 33 cm (13 inches). The needlefish family name is “Beloniformes”, i n Greek, ‘Belone’ means ‘needle’. Some genera include species found in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments (e.g., Strongylura), while a few genera are confined to freshwater rivers and streams, including Belonion, Potamorrhaphis, and Xenentodon. In juvenile specimens the posterior section of this fin also arises there and they have 21-24 rays in the anal fin. Hyperactive in nature, the addition of the metal flipper tail, adds a small touch of erratic flash fish can't resist. Size: 61 cm. Atlantic needlefish. Catch, photograph, and identification courtesy of Ben Cantrell, Peoria, Illinois. Needlefish (family Belonidae) or long toms are piscivorous fishes primarily associated with very shallow marine habitats or the surface of the open sea. Atlantic needlefish are discovered from Maine to Brazil and have been identified to … Atlantic needlefish differ from other needlefish by its round body (not compressed), no caudal keel, no prominent markings or coloration on head (possibly a dusky spot on opercle in young fish). This article will give an overview of atlantic needlefish habitat, scientific name, morphology, special adaptations, range, specie range, Florida, size, facts, etc. They inhabit not only the marine waters of western Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, but can also be found in the Red sea and the Persian Gulf. The Atlantic needlefish usually has a large bone keel under the chin; dorsal fin with very long base, 24-26 rays, the frontal lobe relatively low (height 7.5-9.5% of body height). The Needlefish is exceptionally effective when fished plain, and also outstanding when tipped with a small piece of worm or Shoepeg Corn. Native Range: Marine and fresh water; western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Rio de Janeiro, including coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and …
The elongated thin-blade design of the Needlefish makes it a top performer for trout trolling at all speeds. The Keeltail needlefish is one of the most widely distributed species of needlefish found in the world. Atlantic n eedlefish have bright green-blue bones and according to a recent study (2010) are the second most common marine (saltwater) fish, after mullet, observed in 12 of Florida’s major springs. Atlantic Needlefish, Strongylura marina Atlantic Needlefish, Strongylura marina.Fish caught from coastal waters off Key Largo, Florida, December 2013.