Keeled needlefish
📖 Overview
Inhabits offshore surface waters but is particularly abundant around islands . Probably the most common needlefish of reef flats, lagoons and bays where it occurs in groups of a few to several dozen. Carnivorous, feeding mainly on small fishes; marketed fresh . Oviparous . Eggs may be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the egg's surface .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 15; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 15 - 20; Vertebrae: 62 - 75. Gill rakers present; dorsal fin rays few, 12-15; caudal peduncle greatly depressed with very large keel on each side . See also Ref. 1602.: eel-like; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Keeled needlefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 2 m . Tropical; 27°N - 46°S, 51°E - 109°W East Africa to the Hawaiian and Tuamoto islands, north to the Ogasawara Islands.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Keeled needlefish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.