Belonidae

Atlantic needlefish

Strongylura marina

Elongated jaws form long needle beak

• Tropical
• Regional distribution
• Atlantic Ocean
• Central America and the Caribbean
• North America
• South America
• Elongated
• Large
• Tropical fish

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.