Needlefishes are voracious predators of small fishes just below the water's surface in shallow water and the open sea.  The mouth has jaws of equal length lined with large needle-like teeth.  Halfbeaks differ in having long lower and and stubby upper jaws with sandpaper-like teeth to feed upon surface-dwelling plankton.  They have cylindrical or compressed bodies with large scales and blue to green above and silver below.  They also have blue bones.  The lower lobe of the caudal fin is elongated to provide lift as it skitters along the water's surface when disturbed and large fish have caused fatalities when accidentally running into fishermen.  Needlefishes have dark oily flesh that is delicious broiled but the blue bones are revolting to some.  Several species occur in Hawaii but may be difficult to separate without careful examination.

North Beach, Midway

Kahalu'u, Hawaii, 5 feet

Common in groups at ocean's surface, often with Halfbeaks.  Bright blue-green above and silvery below.  Narrow jaws lined with large pointed teeth.  Feeds upon fishes; leaps repeatedly along the water's surface when disturbed.  Some species attain 3 feet or more.

Wakatobi, Indonesia

Body is thick and head tapers gradually to a point.  Uncommon on reefs and bays.  Reaches at least 4 feet.

Ke'ei, Hawaii

Ke'ei, Hawaii

Ke'ei, Hawaii

Halfbeaks are surface feeders in coastal waters and the open ocean.  The lower jaw is elongated only.  The mouth is small and contains minute teeth used to capture zooplankton or floating plants.  They are an important food source for seabirds and large fish.

Ke'ei, Hawaii

Ke'ei, Hawaii

Fairly common in bays and nearshore waters of Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific.  Body rounded-compressed.  To about 13 inches.

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