Time of Appearance: summer and fall.

The Atlantic needlefish has a long mouth formed by the prolongation of both jawbones. It has numerous small and sharp teeth. This fish shows up around the calm edges of flats and sand bars and swims very close to the water surface. If not chasing bait or fleeing for safety, they will remain still in the surface.

They form small schools and are most active at night but can easily be found during the day. They feed primarily on small fishes such as peanut bunker and silversides. Spawning is believed to occur in both fresh and salt water.

They reach a length of 24 inches. Atlantic Needlefish are light olive to bluish-green above and silvery below. They often have a dark stripe on the both sides from above pectoral fin to caudal fin base. There are no spines in the fins.