What's the difference?

[Where2Next]

What's the difference between a flat needlefish and a houndfish? I looked at some photos and they look the same.

 

[drdiver1952]

They are similar, but with significant differences. Flat needlefish usually have dark bars and a thinner body than a houndfish. The dorsal fin of the needlefish has a black spot that spreads with age while the houndfish has a dark lateral keel on the caudal peduncle. The houndfish is generally just a bit heftier compared to a flat needlefish.

 

[Where2Next]

Thanks DrDiver1952 for the description. So really what I was thinking of is the Giant Mexican Needlefish. Check out this Giant Mexican Needlefish photo...

Now look at this Houndfish photo...

Do you think they are calling the Houndfish a Giant Mexican Needlefish. Or am I overlooking some details in these photos?

 

[drdiver1952]

They are the same. Those fish pictured would be very big for the other common needlefish. Tylosurus crocodilus (houndfish or hound needlefish) comes up as Giant Mexican Needlefish in a couple of id books. Both the houndfish and the needlefish belong to the family Belonidae (needlefish), but are in different genera. The various other needlefish are in the genera Ablennes, Strongylura or Platybelone and the biggest is 3 feet long. Houndfish are supposed to be good to eat or so my serious fisherman nephew tells me.

 

[Where2Next]

Thanks Doc! I thought they might be the same.