| Family: |
Belonidae (Needlefishes) |
| Max. size: |
150 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
pelagic-neritic; brackish; marine; depth range - 0 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Atlantic: Senegal and Guinea south through the Gulf of Guinea to Angola (Ref. 5757). Reported from Gambia River (Ref. 28587). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-16; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 14-18. Diagnosis: body elongate; upper and lower jaws extremely long, forming a stout beak armed with strong teeth; nostrils in depression before eyes (nasal pit); gill rakers absent; pelvic fins abdominal; 13-16 dorsal-fin rays; no lateral keel on caudal peduncle; caudal fin emarginated (Ref. 57228).
Description: anterior dorsal- and anal-fin rays forming prominent lobes; 113-137 predorsal scales (Ref. 57228).
Coloration: back bluish-green, belly silvery; fine blue line can be seen along sides (Ref. 57228). |
| Biology: |
Found in coastal areas, entering estuaries and brackish lagoons (Ref. 5757). Feeds mainly on small fishes (Ref. 28587). 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: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 July 2012 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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