The Cape needlefish (Petalichthys capensis) is a species of needlefish endemic to coastal South Africa. This species grows to a standard length of . P. capensis is found in large schools in pelagic-oceanic environments in subtropical climates. The typical length of this species is about . Body colouration is a silver and blueish colour. The eggs of this species can be found hanging onto objects in the water, as they have tendrils that latch onto the objects.