| Family: |
Belonidae (Needlefishes) |
| Max. size: |
50 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range - 0 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: North Carolina, USA to Brazil (Ref. 7251), including the Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-15; Anal soft rays: 17-20. Gill rakers present; caudal peduncle with a lateral keel, the lateral line passing ventral to it. |
| Biology: |
Occurs offshore; particularly abundant around islands (Ref. 5217); schools in sheltered parts of the reef (Ref. 48635). Feeds mainly on small fishes. 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: 29 January 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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