Tylosurus choram (Red sea needlefish)
Identification
Long and thin, silvery body with a needle-like shaped head and big, forked tail fin. Fast swimmer, staying closely below the surface.
Status
Unassessed by the IUCN Red list. Uncommon species.
Habitat
Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Western Indian Ocean. They can be found in coastal waters and the upper reef edges, just below the surface, in a depth range of 0-5 meters.
Reproduction
Oviparous breeders. Eggs are attached to floating objects by tendrils on the eggs.
Size
Up to 120cm, but usually smaller (70cm).
Prey / Predation
They feed on small fish just below the surface.
Special features
Needlefish are fast swimmers, and are therefore not often seen up close. They are also known by their other common name Red Sea hound fish.
