Description

Also known as Buffonis Halfbeak, Buffon's Garfish, Halfbeak Fish, Northern Garfish, Northern River Garfish, Stripe-nosed Halfbeak, Viviparous Halfbeak.

Found in schools, on the surface levels, of coastal waters, in estuaries and rivers.
They feed on terrestrial insects from the water surface.
Length - 23cm
Depth - 0-?m
Widespread Indo-West Pacific

Needlefish hunt smaller fish just below the surface of the sea, but in turn the are also hunted by larger fish like Tuna and can sometimes be seen leaping into the air and seeming to skip along on their tails on the surface of the water to escape predators.
Potentially dangerous at night when attracted to light as they leap out of the water and have been known to cause fatalities with their beaks! Ref: http://www.fishbase.org/summary/17041