Needlefish: Overview and Characteristics

General Description

• Slender, carnivorous fish with a long beak and sharp teeth.
• Approximately 35 species exist.

Habitat

• Found in tropical or temperate waters.
• Can inhabit the open ocean or near the shore.
• Most species are marine, some in freshwater.

Behavior and Diet

• Strong swimmers that feed primarily on small fish.
• Catch prey sideways on their beaks and swallow head first.
• Capable of leaping out of water and skimming surface.

Physical Adaptations

• Exhibit countershading: dark backs, light undersides, aiding in camouflage.

Predators and Dangers

• Preyed upon by birds and large fish.
• Attracted to light; sharp beaks can cause deep wounds.
• Leaping needlefish can be dangerous to humans.
  • Example: 1977 incident where a boy was killed by a leaping needlefish.

Physical Characteristics

• Largest species: 5 ft (1.5 m) long.
• Smallest species: 2 in (6 cm) long.

Reproduction and Growth

• Reproduce by mating and releasing eggs into water.
• Juveniles feed primarily on plankton.
• Upper jaw reaches full length in adulthood.

Human Interaction

• Edible; sometimes targeted by fishermen.

Extra Information

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