Latin name

Tylosurus crocodilus

Other name

Tylosurus crocodilus

Identification

These fish are known to have 270-340 anterior scales and 75-80 vertebrae. The jaws are extremely long and form a strong beak armed with very sharp teeth. Gill blades are absent. The main difference from other members of the genus Tylosurus is that the teeth of juvenile crocodile needlefish are forward directed, whereas the teeth of other species are straight at all ages. They also have a more robust cylindrical body and a shorter head. 

Features of fish fins

These fish have no spines, their dorsal fins have 21-25 soft rays and the anal fin has 19-22. The caudal fin of the crocodile needlefish is strongly pointed, the lower lobe is much longer than the upper lobe, and the caudal fin has a distinct black lateral keel.

Fish colouring 

They have a dark blue back and silvery white sides, and the belly is white. Juveniles have a raised black blade on the back of their dorsal fins The longest recorded houndfish reached 150 centimeters (4.9 feet),and the largest recorded weight was 6.35 kilograms (14.0 pounds).

Distribution

In the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the crocodile needlefish is found in the Red Sea and from the coast of South Africa, east to French Polynesia, north to Japan, and south to New South Wales, Australia. In the eastern Pacific, the Mexican needlefish takes over. In the western Atlantic it is known from New Jersey to Brazil, and in the east it is found from Fernando Pou, Cameroon and Liberia to Ascension Island. This fish is also found near Guinea, Senegal and Cape Verde. It has been recorded in the eastern Mediterranean, moving from the Red Sea through the Suez Canal as part of the Lessepsian migration.

Habitat

The marine oceanodromous is a tropical pelagic species. They are found in lagoons and coastal reefs.

Size

It is the largest member of its family, reaching 5 feet (1.5 m) in length and 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in weight. The largest recorded weight was 14.0 lb (6.35 kg).

Behavior

These fish usually swim alone or in small groups.

Food and feeding habits

They feed mainly on small fish.

Reproduction

This species lays eggs that attach to objects in the water with tendrils on the surface of each egg.

Fishing

The crocodile needlefish is commercially important. Considered a dangerous fish, it is feared by fishermen because of its size and tendency to leap out of the water and inflict puncture wounds with its beak when startled or attracted by the light used to catch it.

Relationship with a person

The fish is considered edible and is usually sold fresh, but there is little demand for it because its flesh has a greenish color.