The hound fish is biologically a slender spineless game fish with a short head, long needle-like snout, and sharp teeth. It has an intrinsic long cylindrical body, making it a highly reflexive serpentine fish.
The stout body of a hound fish has 21-25 soft rays on its dorsal fin and 19-22 on its anal fin. This fish’s bones, mouth, and flesh have aquamarine color and a distinctive deeply forked caudal fin. They also have a nasal pit in front of their eyes.
Its backside is dark blue or green, making it easily camouflage in the water. The sides of the body are silver, while the undersurface is silvery-white. Its scientific nature and characteristics disguise them from predators in their environment.
5 Astonishing Facts About Hound Fish You Need to Know
Hound fish are found just beneath the water surface, hovering or swimming. They may also swim beyond 15 meters depth in the ocean.
Discover the top 5 surprising facts about hound fish you don’t know.
-
Hound Fish Are Secondary Consumers in the Food Chain
Although a Hound fish’s stout body and needle-nose make them look intimidating, they are secondary consumers in the food chain. The carnivore fish species play a significant role in the ecosystem by serving as prey for large fish like Tuna.
They are surface-dwelling fish, making them ideal targets for dolphins. The Hound fish’s top choice of diet is anchovy. Being the magnificent leapers, they also fancy feasting on small flying fish.
-
Hound Fish Reproduce by External Fertilization
The mode of reproduction in Hound fish is by external fertilization. The breeding season is generally between May and April. The Hound fish typically migrate to jetties, piers, and reefs to reproduce.
The female lays up to 30,000 eggs per spawn. The male fish comes and fertilizes the eggs laid near seaweed. The eggs are connected to objects present in the water by tendrils on the surface of the eggs.
-
Hound Fish Are Attracted to Light
Hound fish are attracted to light, just like moths. They are primarily found in areas constantly lit up by overhead lighting. When they see sudden light, they will jump in that direction.
Anglers use their light attraction as a benefit to catching them. This pelagic fish is effortlessly trapped when one uses light tacked equipment.
-
Hound Fish Is a Famous Game Fish
Hound fish is a well-known game fish in the sport fishing arena. They are easily agitated fish and will jump at the slightest trigger or lure of artificial light. Their beak is thin and can devour the bait without getting snagged.
To catch a Hound fish, you are not supposed to reel it properly. Let it first tire itself out before reeling it up. If you reel it up the right way, it might jump and attack you with its sharp beak. Most anglers will bide their time before catching hound fish to avoid puncture wounds.
-
Hound Fish Are Adapted to Camouflage in Their Environment
The spineless Hound fish use their reflexive bodies as a surviving mechanism. Their silvery-white underparts and sides cannot be seen against the reflection from the water’s surface above. This helps them escape predators.
Their dark blue or green tinge tops blend in with the watercolors. This light refraction in the image of a needlefish helps it catch unsuspecting prey.
Conclusion
Hound fish are reflexive and fascinating fish with a tubular body and shorter head than other needlefishes. Their jumping behavior and long, sharp crocodile-like beak make it hard for anglers to catch them.
Hound fish help balance the ecosystem by serving as prey to larger fish. Although they make a delicious dish, many people barely consume it because of their many small green bones.