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Species · Lookalikes

Atlantic NeedlefishorHoundfish

Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.

Studio photograph of an Atlantic Needlefish (Strongylura marina), side view, on a white background
Atlantic NeedlefishStrongylura marina
Studio photograph of a Houndfish (Tylosurus crocodilus), side view, on a white background
HoundfishTylosurus crocodilus

Rules for both fish from 1 state rulebooks, checked Sep 18, 2026. Every rule names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

How to tell them apart

Atlantic Needlefish

Pencil-thin chrome fish with BOTH jaws drawn into a toothy beak; rides just under the surface.

Atlantic needlefish, next to houndfish: pencil-thin, longer beak.

Houndfish

The heavyweight needlefish — thick as your wrist with a shorter, stouter beak; leaps wildly when hooked.

Houndfish, next to Atlantic needlefish: wrist-thick heavyweight version.

Side by side

Atlantic NeedlefishHoundfish
Scientific nameStrongylura marinaTylosurus crocodilus
Also called—Crocodile needlefish
WatersInshoreNearshore
Heaviest state record1.25 lb · Texas (2015)9 lb 4 oz · South Carolina (1974)
On the tableEdible — the green bones look alarming but are harmless.Eaten in the islands; green bones are harmless.
Rules of its own in1 states1 states

Rules for

Every state, both fish

Where either fish has a rule, the two are regulated the same. The name still goes in the log and on the tally.

StateAtlantic Needlefish: size · bag · seasonHoundfish: size · bag · season
North CarolinaNo size limitNo bag limitOpen year-roundOpenNC DMF 2026 · checked No size limitNo bag limitOpen year-roundOpenNC DMF 2026 · checked

In the app

Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, Atlantic needlefish or houndfish, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.

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Questions anglers ask

How do you tell Atlantic needlefish from houndfish?

Atlantic Needlefish: Pencil-thin chrome fish with BOTH jaws drawn into a toothy beak; rides just under the surface. Houndfish: The heavyweight needlefish — thick as your wrist with a shorter, stouter beak; leaps wildly when hooked. Houndfish, next to Atlantic needlefish: wrist-thick heavyweight version. Atlantic needlefish, next to houndfish: pencil-thin, longer beak.

Which gets bigger, Atlantic needlefish or houndfish?

Houndfish. The heaviest state record we hold is 9 lb 4 oz in South Carolina; the heaviest Atlantic needlefish record is 1.25 lb in Texas.

Which is better to eat, Atlantic needlefish or houndfish?

Atlantic Needlefish: Edible — the green bones look alarming but are harmless. Houndfish: Eaten in the islands; green bones are harmless.

Do Atlantic needlefish and houndfish have the same limits?

Yes, in every state that regulates either one. The table on this page lists each rule with its source and check date.