Shortbill spearfish
📖 Overview
Oceanic and epipelagic, found above the thermocline . Feeds on fishes, cephalopods and crustaceans. Also caught as a by-catch of long lines with hooks intended for tuna. Marketed frozen and prepared as fish cakes and sashimi in Japan . Also prepared as sausages.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 51 - 57; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 18 - 23. Dark blue above, blue splattered with brown on the sides, silvery white below; 1st dorsal fin plain dark blue, other fins brown or dark brown; anal fin bases with tinges of silvery white.: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Shortbill spearfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Spawning is believed to occur mainly during the winter months, especially in warm offshore currents with surface temperature of about 25°C.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 1830 m , usually 0 - 350 m . Subtropical; 43°N - 56°S, 20°E - 68°W found in the Atlantic Ocean, this species is believed to have its spawning grounds and principal populations only in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
🌿 Ecology
fishes, cephalopods and crustaceans
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pseudohistiophorus angustirostris | Tanaka | 1915 | Synonym |
| Pseudohistiophorus illingworthi | Jordan & Evermann | 1926 | Synonym |
| Tetrapterus angustirostris | Tanaka | 1915 | Synonym |
| Tetrapturus illingworthi | Jordan & Evermann | 1926 | Synonym |
| Tetrapturus kraussi | Jordan & Evermann | 1926 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 9 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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