Longbill Spearfish: Tetrapturus pfluegeri

Appearance:

• 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. 

State Record:

61 lb 8 oz, caught near Islamorada

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Additional Information:

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

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles