Needlefish are slender, carnivorous fish that possess a long beak and sharp teeth. There are about 35 species. Depending on the species, they can inhabit the open ocean near the surface or live close to shore in tropical or temperate waters. Most species are marine, but some do occur in freshwater. They are strong swimmers that feed primarily on small fish. Needlefish catch fish sideways on their beaks and then swallow them head first. They are capable of leaping out of the water and skimming the surface for a few yards. The dark coloration of their backs and light coloration on their undersides makes them hard to be seen by predators from above or below. This is called countershading. Animals like birds and large fish prey on them. Needlefish are attracted to light and their sharp beaks can inflict deep puncture wounds. Large leaping needlefish can be deadly to humans. For example, in 1977, a leaping needlefish struck a 10 year old boy in Kauai near his right eye while he was fishing in a boat with his father. The needlefish's beak penetrated the boy’s brain, killing him. The largest species of needlefish can reach 5 ft (1.5 m) long while the smallest may only reach 2 in (6 cm). Needlefish reproduce through mating and releasing eggs into the water. Juvenile needlefish feed primarily on plankton. Their upper jaw only reaches its full length in adulthood. Needlefish are edible and sometimes targeted by fishermen. For more marine facts, click the SUBSCRIBE button!!