Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, round; upper and lower jaws extended into long narrow beaks, jaws about equal in length (lower slightly longer than upper), many sharp teeth; color bluish green above, silvery below; bluish stripe along sides; dorsal and anal fins situated on posterior half of body; lobes of dorsal and anal fins slightly elongate; pelvic fin positioned about half-way between head and tail; no keel (ridge) on caudal peduncle; on back between head and dorsal fin are 2 narrow dark lines along side thicker more diffuse line. |
Similar Species |
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). |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, live and feed at the surface |
Maximum Size |
111 cm (3 1/2 ft), common to 60 cm (23 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. 14-17; A. 16-20 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |