Mexican needlefish
📖 Overview
Generally found in coastal waters, but may also be found offshore . Feeds mainly on small fishes . Oviparous . Eggs may be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the egg's surface . Marketed fresh and salted .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 22; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 17 - 18; Vertebrae: 67 - 72. : eel-like.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mexican needlefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; depth range 0 - ? m. Tropical; 32°N - 4°N Central Pacific: Gulf of California to Panama, including Cocos Island.
🌿 Ecology
small fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🎣 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.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Mexican needlefish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Mexican needlefish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Mexican needlefish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Mexican Needlefish |
| 🌍CES | jehlice mexická |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-agulha-mexicano |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Agujón Lisero Oriental |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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