About Tylosurus fodiator Jordan & Gilbert, 1882
Tylosurus fodiator, commonly known as the Mexican needlefish, is a needlefish species that belongs to the family Belonidae. This species is endemic to the eastern Pacific Ocean, where its range extends from the Gulf of California south to Ecuador. This range also includes the Galapagos Islands, Cocos Island, and Malpelo Island. Previously, Tylosurus fodiator was classified as a subspecies of the houndfish, but it is currently recognized as a distinct valid species. Mexican needlefish are most commonly found near coastlines, though they can also occur in offshore waters. This is a predatory species that feeds primarily on small fishes. Mexican needlefish lay eggs; filaments covering the outer surface of the eggs allow them to adhere to floating objects in the water. This species was first described in 1882 by David Starr Jordan and Charles Henry Gilbert, with its type locality recorded as Mazatlán, Sinaloa, in western Mexico.
