This is Tylosurus croodilus or Crocodile Needlefish
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This is a type of game fish known as a Crocodile needlefish.
It is from the family Belonidae and is a houndfish (Tylosurus croodilus). It is known in Hawaii as ʻaha. These fish can grow up to 5 feet in length and get to be about 10 pounds.
They are often mistaken for barracudas. Some think that these fish can be greater risks than sharks. That is because if the fish becomes alarmed especially at night, they can turn and act like a javelin piercing whoever/whatever may have startled them, with their beaks. These fish have actually been documented killing at least 2 people. The fish has a sharp beak, an elongated body, and short pectoral/side fins. The fish is greener or blue on the top of their bodies with a lighter/white shade underneath. This helps the fish to counter-shade. Needlefish reside at the surface of the water. Counter-shading is an important defense mechanism.
Needlefish are carnivores. They do have very sharp teeth. They love to eat anchovies , sardines, or other small fish. They also like to dine on crustaceans as well as mollusks. Although not common on the reef, you can see them there from time to time. Sometimes they are missed, because when you snorkel you are usually looking down. You have to shift your eyes upward towards the surface of the water to find needlefish.
The image above was taken during a Private Ocean Project Maui Snorkel Tour.
This colorful image was taken off a West Maui Beach by the dedicated staff of Ocean Project Maui. They offer custom, private snorkel tours around the island of Maui, Hawaii. Each #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN image you see in our monthly blog, was captured during a private guided snorkel tour. These amazing images, as well as images above and below the water of the clients/supporters are included in every tour at no additional cost.
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