Mediterranean Spearfish

Mediterranean Spearfish
(Tetrapturus belone)

Current I.G.F.A. all time record: 41.50kg (90lb 13oz) - Madeira Is. Portagul - 2 June, 1980

Description: 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, upper jaw prolonged into spear, its cross section round.

Other Common Names: Spearfish

Size: Relatively small species.

Range: Offshore in deep water.

Natural History: 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.

Fighting Characteristics: As the lightweights of the billfish family they perform well on light tackle with lightning runs and acrobatics.

Courtesy of Billfish Tackle Supply