Atlantic Needlefish
Strongylura marina

The Atlantic needlefish is a skinny, silvery fish with long, tooth-filled jaws. It lives in the Chesapeake Bay’s shallow waters from spring through autumn.

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Needlefish have long, slender jaws filled with tiny teeth. The lower jaw is slightly longer than upper jaw. (paigeh/Flickr)

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Appearance

The Atlantic needlefish's long, narrow body grows to two feet in length. It has a greenish back, silvery sides and a thin, bluish-silver stripe along each side. One dorsal fin is located far on its back, close to its tail. Its long, slender jaws are filled with tiny teeth, and its lower jaw is slightly longer than its upper jaw. Young needlefish do not have elongated jaws like adults do.

Feeding

The needlefish forages for shrimp and small fish such as killifishes and silversides. It patiently stalks its prey then catches it sideways in its scissor-like jaws.

Predators

Larger fish, bottlenose dolphins and fish-eating birds, such as bald eagles and black skimmers, all prey on Atlantic needlefish.

Reproduction and life cycle

Spawning occurs in May to June. Females have only one ovary. Her round eggs sink to the bottom, where they attach by adhesive fibers to underwater grass blades and other surfaces.

Did you know?

  • The Atlantic needlefish gets its name from its long, needle-like jaws.
  • They are attracted to lights, which is why they often congregate near piers and bridges.

Sources and additional information

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