Like a moth to a flame, the Needlefish leaps out of the water at a speed of 38 miles per hour when it catches sight of artificial light.

A school of needlefish jumping out of the water at such speed could certainly do damage to the human body due to their sharp, pointed beaks, which can even break off inside the victim in the process.

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

However, considering their size ranges between 3cm and 95cm, it’s relieving to know that needlefish prefer smaller prey like shrimp and silversides.

Like most predatory fish, they gorge one day and hardly eat anything the next.