Ablennes Belone Belonion Petalichthys Platybelone Potamorrhaphis Pseudotylosurus Strongylura Tylosurus Xenentodon Needlefish (family Belonidae) or long toms[2] are piscivorous fishes primarily associated with very shallow marine habitats or the surface of the open sea.

[8] Needlefish have been documented in taking advantage of Snell's Window when attacking prey; leaping at a shallow angle to ambush schools of small fish.

Due to light refraction through water, objects at the edges of the window appear distorted, disrupting the image of the leaping needlefish and allowing it to get within very short distances of its prey.

For many traditional Pacific Islander communities, who primarily fish on reefs from low boats, needlefish represent an even greater risk of injury than sharks.

It is a relatively small species, no more than 40 cm in length when fully grown, but is considered to be a rather delicate fish best suited to advanced aquarists.