Species
Long Tom
Tylosurus crocodilus
Also known as needlefish · garfish (mis-used)
Tier 4Eating5/10light tackleNSWQLDWANT
0 waypoints60–100 cm (max 150 cm) typical
Overview: about long tom
Long needle-jawed predator of northern Australian inshore waters, common around lights and surface bait schools. Surface lures and small flies bring spectacular leaping fights. Bony green flesh — handle with care due to dagger-like beak.
Biology: Long Tom size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Estuary, Inshore
- Typical size
- 60–100 cm (max 150 cm)
- Weight
- 0.5–4 kg
- Depth range
- 0–15 m
- Diet
- small fish
- Global range
- Circumtropical
How to target: Long Tom angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- surface lures around lights at night
- small flies on the flats
Safety & handling
Ciguatera risk: lowAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.
In the same waters
- sharp beak can cause serious injury — landed long toms have caused fatalities
Recent community catches: anglers who caught long tom
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More information: long tom references & sources
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