The Needlefish (Belonidae): The needlefish are members of a group of pelagic schooling fish, normally found on the surface well off shore, that belong to the Belonidae Family. To date 34 members of this family are known globally.

The Belonidae are predatory fish characterized by their slender elongated bodies, very long, knife-like snouts fitted out with massive sets of teeth, and large eyes. They have very short pectoral fins and no spines in their fins. The Belonidae are ferocious carnivorous feeding primarily on anchovies, herrings, and mullets.

They frequently visit rocky shores and patch reefs. The needlefish are from two genera, Strongylura (14 species globally) and Tylosurus (6 species globally). The needlefish have single anal and dorsal fins, located far back toward the caudal fin.

Needlefish species found in Mexican waters include: the California Needlefish, Strongylura exilus; the Flat Needlefish or Barred Needlefish, Ablennes hians; the Giant Mexican Needlefish, Tylosurus crocodiles fodiator; the Keel-Jawed Needlefish or Agujón Needlefish, Tylosurus acus melanotus; Keeltail Needlefish, Platybelone argalus pterura; and the Pacific Needlefish, Tylosurus pacificus. All of these needlefishes are very similar in size and appearance, and one can easily be fooled into an improper identification. They are viewed by locals as poor table fare and a “catch and release.”