How to Identify Hound Needlefish

To identify Hound Needlefish (Tylosurus crocodilus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically dark blue to greenish-blue, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. A prominent dark lateral stripe may be present, especially in juveniles. Fins are generally dusky.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Extremely elongated, slender body, almost cylindrical., Very long, pointed jaws (beak-like snout) with numerous sharp, conical teeth., Dorsal and anal fins are positioned far back on the body, nearly opposite each other., Large eyes., No finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins (distinguishing feature from some other pelagic fish).

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, located far posterior, with 21-25 soft rays. No spines.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin, relatively small compared to body length, with the lower lobe slightly longer than the upper.

Pectoral fin

Short and rounded, positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and abdominal, located far back on the belly. No finlets.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Jaws

   Look for the extremely long, slender, almost snake-like body and the very prominent, elongated, tooth-filled jaws. This is the most defining characteristic.

2. 2

   Fin Placement

   Note the dorsal and anal fins are set far back on the body, almost directly opposite each other, close to the caudal fin.

3. 3

   Size

   Hound Needlefish are among the largest needlefish, often exceeding 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length, which helps distinguish them from smaller needlefish species.

4. 4

   Coloration

   The dark blue-green back and silvery sides are typical, sometimes with a faint dark lateral stripe.

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