C, L - December 17, 2020

LONGTOM, CROCODILIAN

Scientific Name:

Tylosurus crocodilus

Salt/Fresh:

Salt

Also Known As:

Crocodilian Longtom; Alligator Gar; Needlefish; LONGTOM, CROCODILIAN

Rating:

Countries:

Australia

Description:

Crocodilian Longtom is another warm water longtom found in northern coral reef lagoons.

How To Identify:

Longtoms are a group of slender fish with long jaws and sharp teeth. The Crocodilian Longtom has three faint pencil lines that run along the back of this longtom. Crocodilian longtoms are known to jump towards light. Crocodilian Longtoms can grow as large as 1.3 m.

How To Catch:

Long Toms are usually caught while fishing for other species. They have long snouts with sharp teeth for eating small fish so they avidly take lures however they can be difficult to hook. They will also take bait such as small fish or strips of fish bait. They are very acrobatic once hooked and will leap in the air, a good fight on light gear.

Where Found:

In Australia the Crocodilian Longtom is found around the top of Queensland into the Northern Territory. It favours coral reef lagoons.