Longtom Garfish – Todak, Hound needlefish (Tylosurus crocodilus).

Todak, Hound needlefish or Long Tom

(Tylosurus crocodilus)

Distribution and biology

Found in South Africa coastal and off-shore waters, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf to India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

A pelagic carnivorous species that feeds mainly on small fishes. Occasionally leaps out of water and skitters at the surface.

todak-garfish-hound-needlefish-tylosurus-crocodilus-01-250712

Size / Weight

Max length: 150 cm (1.5 meters or 4 feet 11 inches)
Max. published weight: 6kg (13 pounds)
Source

At Kuala Rompin, the garfish can be a nuisance when they steal baits intended for sailfish. I have caught a few good sized garfish on jigs and they are a lot of fun on light tackle of PE1 – PE2. They do however, run out of steam after the first or second run.

Daniel with a needlefish in Kuala Rompin
Daniel with a needlefish in Kuala Rompin

Hound-Needlefish-Todak-Garfish-Pulau-Jarak-Sembilan-Fly-Fishing_20130319_2424

Two other similar species found in Malaysia waters are:

  1. Flat Needlefish / Jolong-jolong, Todak (Ablennes hians)
  2. Spotted Needlefish / Jolong-jolong, Todak (Strongylura strongylura)

2 thoughts on “Longtom Garfish – Todak, Hound needlefish (Tylosurus crocodilus).”

    1. Hey Mark, I’m no marine biologist but they are the same to me. Although they may be of two different species from the same family.

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