South American freshwater needlefish

Razor-sharp teeth and green skeleton

The freshwater needlefish is elongated and pointed, like a small arrow. It is part of the garfish family, which also includes the Swedish species of garfish. The garfish family is characterised by its elongated shape and long mouth, which opens just like a beak. In its mouth, the South American freshwater needlefish has a long row of small, razor-sharp teeth. Most species of garfish have green skeletons and greenish flesh.

Begins life as a half-beak

The South American freshwater needlefish live in shoals, swimming mostly right underneath the surface, where they can catch insects flying just above the water. When it is time for mating, the female lays eggs that stick to aquatic plants. The fry of most garfish species begins their life with something called a “half-beak stage”. This means that only the lower jaw of the fish is long – it looks like the fish has half a beak. As the fish grows, so does the upper jaw. While the beak is only half, the fish cannot hunt and rely on sifting plankton out of the water.