saltwater
Houndfish
Tylosurus crocodilus
Extremely elongated body with a long, slender beak-like snout filled with sharp teeth. The dorsal and anal fins are set far back near the tail. Countershaded with a dark greenish-blue back and silvery-white sides and belly.
- Habitat
- Ininshore and offshore surface waters, typically found a…
- Size & weight
- Commonly grows to 90 cm (3 feet) in length, with maximum…
- Diet
- Carnivorous, feeding almost exclusively on small schooli…
Identified More saltwater →
Learn more about Houndfish in the encyclopedia →Identify your own catch.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical characteristics
Extremely elongated body with a long, slender beak-like snout filled with sharp teeth. The dorsal and anal fins are set far back near the tail. Countershaded with a dark greenish-blue back and silvery-white sides and belly.
Habitat & distribution
Ininshore and offshore surface waters, typically found around coral reefs, shallow bays, and coastal areas in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide.
Behavior
Solitary or forms small loose aggregations near the surface. Known for its ability to leap completely out of the water and skim across the surface when startled or pursuing prey.
Diet
Carnivorous, feeding almost exclusively on small schooling fishes such as silversides and anchovies, catching them with rapid sideways strikes of its jaws.
Reproduction
Oviparous, releasing eggs that typically attach to floating debris, macroalgae, or seagrass by means of sticky filaments on the egg surface.
Ecological role
Acts as both a mid-level predator feeding on small fish and an important prey item for larger pelagic predators such as dolphins, sharks, and large seabirds.
Similar species
Other needlefish species such as the Keeltail Needlefish (Platybelone argalus) or Agujon Needlefish (Tylosurus acus), distinguished mainly by tail keel structures, size, and fine details of the beak and fin rays.
Identification tips
Look for the very long, slender needle-like jaws, elongated silvery cylindrical body, and tendency to swim directly beneath the water surface.
Interesting facts
Houndfish can leap across the water surface at high speeds, and their powerful jumps can occasionally pose a hazard to night boaters and swimmers due to their sharp beaks.