Description:
Atlantic needlefish are elongate, round-bodied fishes that grow to approximately 25 inches in length.  Body color is green to blue-green on the dorsal surface, blending to silver below the lateral line.  Pectoral fins are small and set high on the sides.  Both the dorsal and anal fins are set far back on the body.  There is often a dark stripe running from the pectoral fins to the base of the caudal fin.  The jaws are elongated, with both the upper and lower jaws bearing many teeth.  Scales are small and cycloid in  shape.

Habitat:
Atlantic needlefishes are common in coastal waters, estuarine habitats and some freshwater tributaries.  In the Indian River Lagoon, they are often found in seagrasses, mangrove creeks, and mosquito impoundments.

Similar Species:
Needlefishes resemble pipefishes in body shape, however, due to their much larger size, teeth on the jaws, and differences in the position of the fins, they are not easily confused. 

Range:
Atlantic needlefishes range from approximately the Gulf of Maine south to Brazil, excluding the Bahamas.