Keeltail Needlefish

Keeltail Needlefish
Name: Keeltail Needlefish
Scientific Name: Platybelone argalus
Family: Needlefishes
Taxonomic: Belonidae
ID Group: Silvery Fishes
Size: 10 - 15 in.
Depth Range: Shorelines, Tidal pools (0 – 2 ft.)
Sightings: Seen often

The Keeltail Needlefish has a long, slender, silvery body with a needle-like beak, where the lower jaw extends slightly longer than the upper jaw. It has a wide, flat keel at the base of its tail. The back is a dark greenish-blue, while the belly is a silvery white.

This Needlefish can be found in small groups drifting near the surface over shallow areas and moves away when approached. It uses its long beak to hunt smaller creatures, primarily eating small fish and crustaceans. When threatened or hunting, it may leap out of the water.