2012 COURSE DATES: AUGUST 4 – 17, 2012 - Sirenian International

Red Fin Needlefish
Strongylura natata
Jamie Hennis and Carol Lacey
Edited by Bruce A. Schulte, Ph.D. and
Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D.
Ecology & Behavior of Manatees &
Dolphins in Belize, Class of 2010.
(contact: caryns@sirenian.org)
Taxonomy
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Super Class Osteichthyes
Class Actinopterygii
Order Beloniformes
Family Belonidae
Genus Strongylura
Species Strongylura natata
Ecology
The redfin needlefish is a marine fish
located in warm, clear, coastal waters
(Humann 2002). They can be seen
solitary or in small groups in mangroves
and sea grass ecosystems (Sweat 2009).
Redfin needlefish are about 9 times their
length than their width with an elongated
needle-like bill. All species of needlefish
are blue-green in color dorsally with
silver sides. The redfin needlefish gets
its name because the caudal and anal fins
appear red in color. They are similar to
other species in this family because their
upper jaw is slightly shorter then the
lower jaw, they have a short tail and the
lower lobe is slightly longer than the
upper lobe. We could find no
information regarding conservation
issues of needlefish.
Figure 1. Needlefish at rest (photo by Carol
Lacey).
Behavior
Needlefish are considered surface feeders.
They are generally found just below the
water surface where feeding is convenient for
them due to their lateral line being located
ventrally on their body (Lovejoy 2000). They
are known as ram feeders. They capture their
prey by striking them with their beak and
pinning them in their jaws. The organism is
then released and positioned properly for
consumption in a head first position. Redfin
needlefish have low predation risk because of
their blue-green counter shading with the
water, camouflaging them from overhead
birds. Their nicknamed the skipper because
when frightened, they tend to leap out of the
water and skip across the surface.
Figure 2. Needlefish foraging (photo by Carol
Lacey).