Platybelone platyura (Bennett, 1832) Keeled needlefish |
photo by
Randall, J.E. |
Family: | Belonidae (Needlefishes) | |||
Max. size: | 45 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 2 m, oceanodromous | |||
Distribution: | Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Hawaiian and Tuamoto islands, north to the Ogasawara Islands. The subspecies platura from the Red Sea to Persian Gulf, platyura in the rest of the Indo-Pacific, and argalus in the tropical Atlantic (Ref. 37816). | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-15; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 15-20; Vertebrae: 62-75. Gill rakers present; dorsal fin rays few, 12-15; caudal peduncle greatly depressed with very large keel on each side (Ref. 9682). See also Ref. 1602. | |||
Biology: | Inhabits offshore surface waters but is particularly abundant around islands (Ref. 9682). Probably the most common needlefish of reef flats, lagoons and bays where it occurs in groups of a few to several dozen. Carnivorous, feeding mainly on small fishes; marketed fresh (Ref. 9682). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Eggs may be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the egg's surface (Ref. 205). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |