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Pacific Short-nosed Spearfish
The Pacific short-nosed spearfish is an aggressive if not diminutive
marlin that eagerly attacks artificial lures. They are uncommon
everywhere in the world, but Hawaii is one of the few places where
you have a good chance of catching one of these rare trophies. They
are caught trolling and live baiting, but can also be caught with
light tackle and fly gear. Spearfish range in size from 20 to 60
lbs. and are caught year round.
Family: Istiophoridae (Billfishes)
Genus and Species: Tetrapturus
angustirostris (shortbill), T. pfluegeri (longbill),
T. belone (Mediterranean)
Range: The shortbill spearfish is known in
the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is caught year round off the Kona
coast, one of the few areas where the spearfish is consistently
caught. The longbill spearfish is known to occur in the northwest
Atlantic from New Jersey to Venezuela, including the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mediterranean spearfish is known to occur only in the
Mediterranean Sea.
Description: Spearfish can be
distinguished from other billfish by a slender, lightweight body,
short bill, and a dorsal fin that is highest anteriorly (higher than
in marlin and lower than in the sailfish). The vent is located well
in front of the anal fin; in all other billfish, the vent is located
close to the anal fin. The bill of the shortbill spearfish is barely
longer than its lower jaw, whereas in the longbill spearfish it is
about twice as long, but it is still noticeably short when compared
to that in other billfish. The pectoral fins of the shortbill and
Mediterranean spearfish barely reach to the curve of the lateral
line; in the longbill spearfish, they extend beyond the curve. The
longbill spearfish has more elements (45 to 53) in the first dorsal
fin than any other Atlantic billfish, although it may appear similar
to the white marlin. The shortbill spearfish has approximately the
same count (47 to 50 elements), but the Mediterranean spearfish has
fewer (39 to 46). The lateral line is single and arches above the
pectoral fins. The dorsal fin is bright blue and has no spots. The
vertical bars on the body are never as prominent as in other
billfish and may show only slightly or not at all.
Natural History: 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.
There is very little scientific information
available on spearfish. It is widely believed that spearfish do not
live much more than five years. They reach maturity after two years.
Fishing Information: 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.
Other Common Names: Atlantic Spearfish,
a'u, aguja picuda, furaikajiki.
Largest recorded: 74 pounds 12 ounces (shortbill);
94 pounds, 12 ounces (longbill); 90 pounds, 13 ounces
(Mediterranean).
Sources: Marine Sportfish Identification,
California Department of Fish and Game, 1987; FishBase,
FishBase Consortium, 2001; Billfish, Saltaire Publishing,
1976
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