[2] Houndfish are known from New Jersey to Brazil in the west Atlantic,[13] and in the east, they are found from Fernando Poo, Cameroon, and Liberia to Ascension Island.

[17] A pelagic animal,[18] houndfish can be found over lagoons and seaward reefs either as individuals or small groups,[2] where they feed mainly on smaller fishes.

Although houndfish are considered good to eat, and are usually sold fresh, the market for them is small because their flesh has a greenish colour similar to that of the flat needlefish.

[21] The IGFA world record stands at 4.88 kg (10 lbs 12 oz) and was caught off Goulding Cay, Bahamas in 2013 by angler Daniel John Leonard using a live pilchard as bait.

[22] Houndfish are considered to be dangerous, and are feared by fishermen because of their size and tendency to leap out of the water, causing puncture wounds with their beaks, when frightened or attracted to the lights used to catch them.