Red Sea Needlefish

Overview

The Red Sea Needlefish (Tylosurus choram) is a slender, predatory marine fish belonging to the Belonidae family. It is widely recognized for its elongated, cylindrical body and distinctively long, pointed beak filled with sharp, needle-like teeth.

Appearance

This species features a dark blue back that transitions to a silvery-white belly. Its body is highly streamlined, and it possesses transparent pectoral fins located near the operculum. The dorsal and anal fins are positioned symmetrically toward the rear of the body, with high anterior lobes that taper toward the tail. The caudal fin is noticeably forked, with the lower lobe typically being slightly longer than the upper.

Distribution & Habitat

Primarily found in the Western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman, this species is also present in parts of the Eastern Mediterranean, having migrated there via the Suez Canal. It is an epipelagic fish that typically inhabits coastal waters, often swimming near the surface in the vicinity of coral reefs.

Biology & Behavior

Red Sea Needlefish are fast swimmers that spend much of their time near the water's surface. They are known to occasionally leap or "fly" over the water's surface for short distances. While generally harmless, their size and sharp, toothy beaks can pose an injury risk to humans if the fish leaps near them. As an oviparous species, they reproduce by laying eggs that feature adhesive filaments, allowing them to attach to floating objects in the water column.