Strongylura notata
(Poey 1880)
Family Belonidae
The redfin needlefish is a member of the needlefish family. This fish has a slender, semicylindrical and elongate body, and has narrow and long jaws with needlelike teeth. The maxilla is covered by preorbital bone when mouth is closed. Redfin needlefish have between 76 and 117 large pre-dorsal scales, and a narrow black bar on anterior gill cover margin. This fish has between 12 and 15 anal rays. The redfin needlefish is a marine species that enters the surface waters of rivers, sloughs and canals.
Status & distribution
- Status — Marine invader
- Florida Distribution — the Gulf Coast and in South Florida