Strongylura strongylura (van Hasselt, 1823)
Spottail needlefish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Belonidae (Needlefishes)
Max. size:  40 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; brackish; marine; depth range 5 - 25 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Persian Gulf eastward along the coasts of Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, then extending to southern China, the Philippines, and northern Australia. A record from Zanzibar (Tanzania) needs confirmation.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-15; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 15-18; Vertebrae: 59-65. Round in cross section. Dorsal fin rays 12-15; anal fin rays 15-18. Caudal peduncle without lateral keels. Caudal fin rounded or truncate. Predorsal scales few and relatively large, 100-130. Caudal fin light with a prominent round black spot near its base. Dorsal fin lobe and distal margin of caudal fin yellow in live adults, anterior margin of anal fin orange.
Biology:  Found in coastal areas and mangrove-lined lagoons, also enters freshwater. Carnivorous. Feeds mainly on small fishes, especially clupeoids. Occurs at temperatures ranging from 26 to 29°C (Ref. 4959). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Eggs may be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the egg's surface (Ref. 205). Sold fresh in markets.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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