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Strongylura incisa (Valenciennes, 1846) Reef needlefish |
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photo by
Honeycutt, K. |
| Family: | Belonidae (Needlefishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 100 cm FL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 3 m | |||
| Distribution: | Indo-Pacific: Maldives and the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean and widespread in the Western Central Pacific east to Fiji and Samoa. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-20; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 21-23. Description: Characterized by greyish green color on back and silvery below; 100-125 predorsal scales; elongate body, slightly compressed and almost rectangular in cross section; extremely elongate jaws studded with sharp teeth; lower jaw slightly longer than upper; prominent ridges on upper surface of body; absence of gill rakers; caudal peduncle without lateral keels; slightly emarginate caudal fin (Ref. 90102). | |||
| Biology: | Occurs over both lagoon and seaward reefs. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Eggs may be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the egg's surface (Ref. 205). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||