Species Education

Spearfish

With four subspecies, the spearfish is found in almost every coastal ecosystem. All four subspecies have very unique appearances based on their habitats. Collectively, they are the species with the least amount of data recorded.

Scientific Name

  • Tetrapturus pfluegeri (Longbill spearfish)
  • Tetrapturus angustirostris (Shortbill spearfish)
  • Tetrapturus georgii (Roundscale spearfish)
  • Tetrapturus belone (Mediterranean spearfish)

Max Size

2.4 m and 68 kg (8 ft and 150 lb)

CONSERVATION

Status: Least Concern

Top Speed

Unknown

Habitat

Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans

Behavior

Extremely elusive

Diet

Squid and small fish

Lifespan

Up to 5 years

Species Education

What are Spearfish?

The spearfish is a species of billfish with four visually and genetically distinct subspecies. The four subspecies are the longbill spearfish, shortbill spearfish, roundscale spearfish, and Mediterranean spearfish. Like other billfish, all spearfish have an elongated bill, prominent dorsal fin, and sleek bodies. There is a lack of research and data surrounding specific spearfish behaviors and characteristics. Additionally, the roundscale spearfish was just discovered within the past two decades, after years of misidentification as white marlin.

Species Education

Questions about Spearfish

How big do Spearfish get?

On average, spearfish are the smallest of the billfish family. The maximum size of a spearfish differs between each subspecies. Longbill spearfish tend to grow between 2.4 and 3 m (8 and 10 ft) in length and weigh up to 45.4 kg (100 lb). Shortbill spearfish are smaller, reaching a maximum of 2.1 m (7 ft) in length and typically weighing in between 18.1 and 31.8 kg (40 and 70 lb). Mediterranean spearfish grow to be about the same size as shortbills, with the largest Mediterranean spearfish ever caught weighing almost 31.8 kg (70 lb) and about 2.1 m (7 ft) long. The roundscale spearfish has a similar size to both the shortbill and Mediterranean, with the biggest one ever caught being 24.9 (55 lb) and just over 2.1 m (7 ft) in length.

Can you fish for Spearfish?

Yes! Spearfish can be fished for in every ocean and are very frequently caught in either Hawaii or the Mediterranean. With such few data points for reference, there may be other hotspots for spearfish that have not been found yet. Spearfish can be caught like any other billfish, by trolling while using live or rigged bait.

Where do Spearfish live?

Spearfish live all around the world! Longbill and roundscale spearfish live in the Atlantic Ocean while the shortbill spearfish lives in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. As far as the data reports thus far, the Mediterranean spearfish completes its life cycle within this sea. Although they are distributed around the globe, spearfish are predominantly caught in Hawaii and the Mediterranean.

What do Spearfish eat?

As spearfish are found globally, there is a wide range of species they consume. The target prey for each spearfish subspecies is mainly dependent on location. Spearfish consume anything from flying fish and sardines to squid and octopus.

How do Spearfish hunt?

Spearfish hunt the same as most other billfish, using their rostrum to slash at and stun their prey. Usually, spearfish are independent predators, but they have been seen in small groups, corralling fish into bait balls for easier hunting.

How long do Spearfish live for?

There is not a lot of research that has been done on spearfish, so there are no accurate estimates on their life expectancy. However, by looking at other billfish species with similar characteristics, it is believed that spearfish live on average four to five years. They most likely live to a maximum of seven years, with that age expectancy being the same across all spearfish subspecies.

How do Spearfish reproduce?

Spearfish reproduce by broadcast spawning, a process where the females release thousands of eggs into the water, where they are externally fertilized by males. It is believed they only reproduce once a year, during the winter season of their habitat.

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