The Houndfish , Hound Needlefish, Crocodile Needlefish (Tylosurus crocodilus) is a species of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Belonidae. They are elongated, predatory fish with a distinctive, long, needle-like snout. These fish are commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, inhabiting a variety of marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
The Houndfish , Hound Needlefish, Crocodile Needlefish (Tylosurus crocodilus) is a striking fish, characterized by its elongated body and long, slender snout. The body is typically silver-grey in color, with a darker dorsal side and a lighter ventral side. They can reach a maximum size of 150.0 cm. The fish’s long snout is armed with sharp, pointed teeth, which are used for capturing prey. The scales are small and smooth, giving the fish a sleek and streamlined appearance.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Houndfish , Hound Needlefish, Crocodile Needlefish (Tylosurus crocodilus) is typically found in Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic., making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. The species is generally found in coastal areas, often lurking in the shallows or near the surface of the water.
Taxonomy
The species Tylosurus crocodilus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Beloniformes, and Family: Belonidae. This classification places them among the ray-finned fishes, specifically within the order of needlefish and their relatives.
Feeding
The Houndfish , Hound Needlefish, Crocodile Needlefish (Tylosurus crocodilus) is a carnivorous fish, feeding primarily on a diet of Crustaceans, Fish (little fishes), Fish eggs, Fish larvae, Rock shrimps, Schrimps, Zoobenthos, Zooplankton. Its long snout allows it to snatch prey from the water column, effectively hunting smaller fish and invertebrates.
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