LONGBILL SPEARFISH

 

Tetrapturus pfluegeri

Spanish:  Aguja Picuda

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 prolonged into spear, its cross secttion round

The longbill spearfish is known to occur in the northwest Atlantic from New Jersey to Venezuela, including the Gulf of Mexico. 

These species are lesser-known and small members of the Istiophoridae family of billfish that are also referred to as slender spearfish. They are pelagic, offshore, deep-water fish that appear to be available all year in small numbers but are infrequently encountered by anglers in most parts of their range.

They feed at or near the surface, mainly on small and medium-sized fishes and squids, including dolphin, sauries, flying fish, needlefish and pilot fish. They appear to be available all year in small numbers.

Spearfish are not targeted gamefish anywhere in the world. Their numbers are too low (and catches too sparse) to be considered reliable game. They are caught with basically the same bait, lures, and tackle as white and striped marlin. However, most spearfish catches are considered incidental.

Largest Recorded:
94 pounds, 12 ounces.

 

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