Needlefish and the Moon

Along the shores of the Gulf of Nicoya, life has long been connected to the rhythm of the moon. For generations, coastal families in the Paquera district have known that certain nights bring a remarkable natural event: the arrival of needlefish, known locally as agujas.

These slender, fast-swimming fish are pelagic and spend most of their lives moving through the waters of the gulf. But during certain nights of the rainy season, large schools move toward specific beaches along the coast to spawn. The event is closely tied to the lunar cycle, usually occurring a few days after the full moon or new moon, when tides and conditions are just right.

Long before modern boats and engines became common, people relied on this knowledge of the sea. On the right nights, families would gather on certain rocky beaches, waiting for the fish to move close to land. The needlefish could be so plentiful that fishermen sometimes did not even need a hook. Some would simply step into the water and throw fish ashore, while others used a simple hook to snag them as they passed by.

This phenomenon does not occur everywhere. In the Paquera region it has long been associated with rocky coastal areas such as Punta Cuchillo and Isla Cedros, where locals still visit when the moon, tide, and season align.

Today there is greater awareness that fishing during spawning periods can affect fish populations and marine ecosystems. While the tradition of gathering along the shore to watch for the arrival of needlefish is part of local coastal history, targeting fish during spawning is not considered a sustainable fishing practice today, and Costa Rican fishing authorities discourage it.

For visitors, witnessing this event—or simply seeing the community gather along the shore—offers a glimpse into the deep connection between people, nature, and the rhythms of the ocean.

To learn more about fishing in the waters of Paquera, explore our page about sport fishing and artisanal fishing in the Gulf of Nicoya, where local captains continue the region’s maritime tradition in more sustainable ways.