Strongylura incisa (Valenciennes, 1846)
Reef needlefish
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


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