---
title: Needlefishes (Belonidae)
scientific_name: Belonidae
common_name: Needlefishes
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T21:06:52.224Z
tags: Needlefishes, Belonidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/needlefishes
---

# Needlefishes (*Belonidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Belonidae
- **Body shape:** Elongate - Long and slender, but still fish-shaped - trumpetfishes, needlefishes, cornetfishes.
- **Species listed here:** 4

## How to recognise this group

- extremely long, narrow, pointed jaws
- silvery body
- dorsal and anal fins set far back, opposite each other
- swimming near the water surface

Needlefishes are slender, cylindrical, silvery marine fishes characterized by extremely long, narrow jaws armed with numerous sharp, conical teeth. Their dorsal and anal fins are set far back on the body, positioned opposite each other close to the caudal fin, facilitating rapid bursts of speed. Most species display a dark, prominent lateral stripe running from the eye to the tail. Members of the family vary significantly in size, generally ranging from 30 cm (12 in) to over 120 cm (4 ft) in total length.

Needlefishes are typically found near the surface, inhabiting shallow reef flats, seagrass beds, or the open water column, generally above 20 m (65 ft). During the day, they often float motionless just below the surface or cruise slowly in open water. They are active predators, ambushing smaller fishes and crustaceans with a rapid sideways strike of their head. Divers frequently observe them swimming solitarily or in small, loose groups. At night, needlifishes are attracted to surface lights, moving rapidly across the water; their speed and sharp jaws can cause severe puncture wounds if they collide with people.


## Species (4)

- [Flat Needlefish (Ablennes hians)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/needlefishes/flat-needlefish)
- [Houndfish (Tylosurus crocodilus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/needlefishes/houndfish)
- [Keeltail Needlefish (Platybelone argalus platura)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/needlefishes/keeltail-needlefish)
- [Red Sea Houndfish (Tylosurus choram)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/needlefishes/red-sea-houndfish)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/needlefishes)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*