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Strongylura senegalensis (Valenciennes, 1846) Senegal needlefish |
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photo by
Mamonekene, V. |
| Family: | Belonidae (Needlefishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 150 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | pelagic-neritic; brackish; marine; depth range - 0 m | |||
| Distribution: | Eastern Atlantic: Senegal and Guinea south through the Gulf of Guinea to Angola (Ref. 5757). Reported from Gambia River (Ref. 28587). | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-16; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 14-18. Diagnosis: body elongate; upper and lower jaws extremely long, forming a stout beak armed with strong teeth; nostrils in depression before eyes (nasal pit); gill rakers absent; pelvic fins abdominal; 13-16 dorsal-fin rays; no lateral keel on caudal peduncle; caudal fin emarginated (Ref. 57228). Description: anterior dorsal- and anal-fin rays forming prominent lobes; 113-137 predorsal scales (Ref. 57228). Coloration: back bluish-green, belly silvery; fine blue line can be seen along sides (Ref. 57228). | |||
| Biology: | Found in coastal areas, entering estuaries and brackish lagoons (Ref. 5757). Feeds mainly on small fishes (Ref. 28587). 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: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 July 2012 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||