Fish Index: Houndfish (Tylosurus crocodilus)

Houndfish (Tylosurus crocodilus)

The Houndfish or Tylosurus crocodilus is just one of the over 50 different species of Needlefish. Houndfish are believed to be the largest of the family Belonidae, growing to about 5' (1.5m) and weighing up to 10lbs (4.5kg). Also known as the Crocodile Needlefish, they have long, very slender bodies with dark blue backs and silver sides. They also have an impressive display of teeth much like Gar Fish.

Houndfish are saltwater fish that are found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, particularly in the Red Sea and off the coast of South Africa. They like to hang around lagoons and reefs. Houndfish are often found in small schools and feed on small fish that they can fit into their mouths. When these fish reproduce their eggs will attach themselves to objects in the water and drift until they hatch.

As you will see in the video below these fish can be caught using a particular species of spider's web along with a kite. Amazing!