LONGBILL SPEARFISH – Tetrapturus pfluegeri

Article by: Mark Mayo

Family Istiophoridae, BILLFISHES

Description: 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 section round.

Similar fish: white marlin, Tetrapterus albidus.

Where found: OFFSHORE in deep water.

Size: relatively small species.

Remarks: uncommon; available data indicate that the 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; named for Al Pflueger, Sr., founder of Pflueger Taxidermy.

Mark Mayo

I research and report on fishing, fishing gear/equipment, survival topics, and marketing for outdoors related business. I assist here on CB Fishing as the editor-in-chief. Articles may contain AI researched content. All content is published for education and entertainment purposes only. NOT LIFE, HEALTH, SURVIVAL, FINANCIAL, BUSINESS, LEGAL OR ANY OTHER ADVICE. Learn more about Mark Mayo