Reef Needlefish

Strongylura incisa is a species common in marinas and other areas with minimal currents.

Description

It is characterized by greyish green color on back and silvery below. Its body is elongate, slightly compressed and almost rectangular in cross section. It has extremely elongate jaws studded with sharp teeth. The lower jaw is slightly longer than upper. It has prominent ridges on upper surface of body. And has no gill rakers. The caudal peduncle is without lateral keels. The caudal fin is slightly emarginate.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: Maldives and the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean and widespread in the Western Central Pacific east to Fiji and Samoa.

Habitat

Occurs over both lagoon and seaward reefs. Oviparous. Eggs may be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the egg's surface.