Needlefish are slender, fast-moving aquatic creatures inhabiting various marine and freshwater environments globally. These fish possess distinctive physical attributes and exhibit particular behaviors. While not inherently aggressive, their unique characteristics and actions can lead to unexpected and potentially serious injuries under specific circumstances.
How Needlefish Pose a Danger
Needlefish feature elongated, slender bodies culminating in a long, pointed beak filled with numerous small, sharp teeth. This beak is the primary cause of injuries. Needlefish are known for their ability to leap out of the water at high speeds, especially when startled by sudden movements or attracted to light.
This jumping behavior is a significant factor in how they can injure people. They are capable of reaching speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h) over short distances, making them difficult to avoid once they launch themselves. Needlefish are strongly attracted to artificial lights at night, like boat or pier lights, which can lead to collisions with individuals in the water or on boats. This attraction is thought to be a feeding response, as light draws smaller prey fish.
Injuries from needlefish occur accidentally, not from aggressive intent. The most common injuries are deep puncture wounds caused by their sharp beaks. These wounds often occur in the head, neck, and torso areas, potentially causing internal organ damage, severe bleeding, or bone fractures. The beak can sometimes break off within the wound, leading to retained foreign bodies and an increased risk of infection from marine bacteria.
Staying Safe Around Needlefish
To minimize risk, several prevention strategies are advised. Avoid using bright lights over water at night, particularly in known needlefish areas, as this attracts them. Maintain situational awareness when swimming or boating at night or in shallow, clear waters where needlefish are common. Wearing polarized sunglasses during the day can aid in spotting these fish in the water for proactive avoidance.
If a needlefish is observed nearby, remain calm and avoid sudden movements to prevent startling the fish. Give them ample space to prevent accidental interactions. Should an injury occur where a needlefish beak becomes embedded in a wound, do not attempt removal.
Removing an embedded beak can cause further tissue damage, increase bleeding, or push fragments deeper. Instead, the embedded object should be stabilized to prevent movement, and direct pressure should be applied around the wound to control bleeding. Seeking immediate medical attention is essential for any puncture wound, especially deep ones, to assess for internal damage, address potential retained fragments, and prevent infection from marine bacteria.