Latin name

Tylosurus acus

Other name

Keel-jawed needlefish

Identification

The three subspecies have been given species rank as tentatively accepted names pending further work on the identification of T. acus to consolidate their status.

Vertebrae: 90-95. Body elongate. Upper and lower jaws are extremely long, forming a thick beak armed with very sharp teeth. Gill stamens are absent. Nostrils in a recess in front of the eyes.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-27; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 20-24. Anal fin short. Caudal fin deeply forked.

Fish colouring

Have a small black lateral keel on each side of the caudal spine.

Distribution

Widespread in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Oceans. Western Atlantic: from Massachusetts, USA to Brazil. Eastern Atlantic: from Morocco to the Mediterranean.

Habitat

A marine species associated with reefs. Depth from 0 to 100 meters. Prefers a subtropical climate: 43°N, 98°W, 36°E.

Size

Maximum length 153 cm, normal length 90.0 cm. Maximum declared weight 3.7 kg.

Behavior

They live in oceanic and coastal waters.

Food and feeding habits

They feed on small fish. 

Reproduction

The eggs of these fish can be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the surface. 

Fishing

This species is of commercial importance. 

Relationship with a person

The market for this species is limited due to the green color of the flesh. Agujon needlefish are poisonous to humans.