COMMON MARINE FISHES 



39 



Figure 12 



CALIFORNIA NEEDLEFISH 

 Tylosurus exilis 



Relationship: The only member of the needlefish family, Belonidae, found in 

 California. 



Distinguishing Characters: The dorsal and anal fins set well back on the body ; 

 the narrow jaws which are greatly prolonged into a snipe-like beak ; the slender, almost 

 round body ; the ventral fins placed far behind the pectorals. Length to about three 

 feet. Color: Green above becoming silvery below; a bluish band runs horizontally along 

 the side of the body. 



Distribution: Central California south at least to Cedros Island, central Lower 

 California. Reported only twice from north of Pt. Conception, once in Monterey Bay 

 and once off San Francisco. 



Fishing Season: Taken throughout the year but not in sufficient quantity to 

 show any seasonal trends. 



Importance: Of no importance as either a commercial or a game fish, it is 

 caught only accidentally. 



Fishing Gear: Incidentally in round haul nets or on hook and line. 



Unauthorized Names: Garfish, billfish. 



