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Longbill Spearfish

Tetrapturus pfluegeri

Appearance

Illustration of a longbill spearfish
  • Color of body dark blue shading to silvery, white underneath
  • Dorsal fin bluish, others brown-black
  • Two dorsal fins, the first lengthy, its front forming a peak
  • Two anal fins, the anus well in front of the first
  • Upper jaw is prolonged into spear
  • Its cross section is round

Habitat

Longbill spearfish are found offshore in deep water. 

Behavior

These fish are uncommon. Available data indicate that spearfish matures at 2 years of age and rarely lives past 4 to 5 years.  They are pelagic and feed at or near the surface, mainly on fishes and squid. 

Additional Information

State Record:  61 lb 8 oz, caught near Islamorada

Longbill spearfish are named for Al Pflueger, Sr., founder of Pflueger Taxidermy.

Recreational Regulations

 

Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles