Largehead Hairtail
Trichiurus lepturus
Largehead Hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) is a long, ribbon-like predatory fish found in coastal waters worldwide. It hunts at dusk and night over soft bottoms and around shelf edges, and is more often a bycatch or light-tackle target than a major game fish.
Identification points
- Very elongate, silver, ribbon-like body with no obvious caudal fin distinct from the tail end
- Large, pointed head with a large mouth and sharp, fanglike teeth
- Dorsal fin runs long and low along much of the body; pelvic fins are absent
Habitat
Coastal marine waters over continental shelves, bays, estuaries, and nearshore drop-offs; commonly midwater to near-bottom above sand or mud, often schooling in deeper channels and along shelf edges.
Bait notes
Best on slim baitfish strips, squid, sardines, anchovies, and live small fish where allowed. Small silver metals, jigs, and soft plastics can also work when fish are feeding high in the water column.
Behavior
Nocturnal ambush predator that feeds on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. It often rises in the water column after dark and may slash at baitfish schools; large individuals can be solitary or loosely schooling.
Caution
Handle carefully; the body is extremely slender and the mouth has sharp teeth that can cut hands. In some regions it may be subject to local size/season rules, and large coastal predators can carry elevated contaminant loads depending on area.
Fishing notes
Fish after sunset with light to medium tackle, long casts, and fast retrieves or slow jigging near drop-offs, harbor mouths, and channel edges. Use wire or heavy fluoro if bite-offs occur from their sharp teeth and jaw edges.