How to Identify California Needlefish

To identify California Needlefish (Strongylura exilis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically dark green to bluish-green, fading to silvery on the sides and white on the belly. A prominent silvery lateral stripe often runs along the length of the body.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Extremely elongated, needle-like jaws, with the lower jaw slightly longer than the upper jaw in juveniles, becoming equal in adults., Numerous sharp, conical teeth in both jaws., Dorsal and anal fins are positioned far back on the body, nearly opposite each other., Streamlined, cylindrical body., Small, cycloid scales.

Dorsal fin

14-17 soft rays, positioned posteriorly.

Tail fin

Forked, with the lower lobe slightly longer than the upper.

Pectoral fin

Small, located low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally, far behind the pectoral fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Jaws

   The most distinguishing feature is the extremely long, slender, needle-like jaws. In juveniles, the lower jaw is noticeably longer than the upper, a characteristic that equalizes as the fish matures.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Its very slender, cylindrical, and elongated body is characteristic of needlefish species.

3. 3

   Fin Placement

   The dorsal and anal fins are located far back on the body, almost directly opposite each other, contributing to its streamlined appearance.

4. 4

   Coloration

   The dark green to bluish-green back, silvery sides, and white belly, often with a prominent silvery lateral stripe, are consistent identifiers.

Explore California Needlefish