Strongylura senegalensis

Strongylura senegalensis (Valenciennes); Senegal needlefish (Figure 2B) Remarks: Strongylura senegalensis, formerly synonymized with Belone senegalensis (Valenciennes), was occasionally observed in Badagry and Ikorodu but was commonly found in Epe. This species inhabits marine and brackish waters, with a distribution extending from Senegal through the Gulf of Guinea to Angola. Strongylura senegalensis is characterized by its elongated body, a bluish-green coloration on the dorsal side, and a silvery hue on the ventral side, with a distinct dark blue stripe running along its sides. Its fin ray counts are diagnostic, comprising 15 dorsal-fin rays, 16 anal-fin rays, and 11 pectoral-fin rays.