Agujon needlefish (Tylosurus acus) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of ≥ 0 m.
Scientific name: Tylosurus acus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 153 cm
The agujon needlefish is a belonid that inhabits oceanic and neritic waters and feeds on small fishes; it is oviparous, with eggs that may be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the egg's surface. Its long jaws can inflict a wound. Although it is sold fresh and salted, its market is limited by the green colour of its flesh. It is recorded from the surface, and no maximum depth is recorded for it. Its range is the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Brazil, and the eastern Atlantic off Morocco and in the Mediterranean. Maximum length is about 153 cm total length, commonly about 90 cm standard length, and it matures at about 47.3 cm. It is a commercial species and a gamefish, with a medium price category. Fishing vulnerability is moderate at 44 of 100 and resilience high. IUCN lists it as least concern.
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