kelolalaut.com - Needlefish or also known as long toms, are all the fish in the family of Belonidae. These fish have unique trait because its long ‘beaks’. They come in variety shapes and sizes, but this one feature always stay the same. 

Here are some interesting facts about needlefish:

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•    Attracted by Bright Light
Artificial light will attract needlefish, therefore fishermen use this knowledge to catch them

•    They Can Cause Serious Wound on Human
Although needlefish won’t set out intentions to causing harms for human, it can, and quite often does happen. Needlefish have a habit to leap out of the water at top speeds, usually to escape from predators. When it does happen, their long, sharp beak can make them a dangerous projectile

•    Some Species Can be Kept in Advanced Aquarium
Although they can be dangerous, some species of needlefish can be kept in a aquarium. This typically involves one of the smaller species that can tolerate different water conditions

•    Live in Saltwater and Freshwater
Since there are so many species of needlefish, you can find needlefish almost everywhere due to the fact they can live in freshwater and saltwater

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•    Can Swim up to 60 kph
A needlefish can jump out of the water with the approximately speed 60 kilometres per hours. This is why they can be dangerous to humans who may be engaging in water recreation

•    Similar to Gars
Because of their long beak, the needlefish actually looks quite similar to gars. Some species may even be known as gars or garfish. However, the needlefish and true gar are only distantly related

•    The Name Comes From Greek
All needlefish are belong to family of Belonidae. Belone, the root of Belonidae, is actually a Greek word that means ‘needle’

•    Spread Around the Globe
There are over 60 different species of needlefish and they can be found in various places around the world. Each location playing a large role in the size and appearance of each species

•    They Don’t Have Stomach
All needlefish species completely lack of a stomach. They swallow their prey whole and digest it, without stomach. Instead of a stomach with acid, they can secrete enzyme called ‘trypsin’ that can break down protein on their food

•    Some of Them Have Greenish Flesh
One of the most interesting facts about this fish is the color of their flesh. Species like Houndfish and Flat needlefish have greenish-colored flesh. Despite these fish is edible, the color of their fish doesn’t make them a popular choice among humans

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