This is one of the most widespread of the needlefishes, occurring in all three major oceans- often well offshore, including around remote island groups. This species is one of the largest of the group, growing to at least 1.5 metres in length, sometimes cited up to 2 metres. I has a relatively stout, cylindrical body and a shorter head compared with other needlefishes.
This species has been implicated in injuries and even deaths caused by startled fish leaping from the surface at night and accidentally impaling people travelling in open boats. As with other needlefishes, the hound needlefish is quite edible, but their greenish coloured bones tend to dissuade fussy eaters.
