Fin's Fish Guide
The Mediterranean spearfish (Tetrapturus belone) is a saltwater fish of the family Istiophoridae that grows up to 240 cm.
Endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, pelagic in open, warm water above great depths.
Description
The Mediterranean spearfish is a slender billfish of the family Istiophoridae (sailfishes and spearfishes) reaching about 2.4 metres. The upper jaw is extended into a short, rounded spear, shorter than in a true marlin; a long, low dorsal fin runs along the back. The body is blue-black above and silvery-white below, streamlined for high speed. The species is endemic to the Mediterranean and lives pelagically in open, warm water above great depths. As a fast predator it hunts schooling fish and squid, which it can strike with its bill. It spawns in summer with floating eggs. The Mediterranean spearfish is a valued sport and food fish caught by trolling.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mediterranean spearfish?
The Mediterranean spearfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Slender billfish with a short, spear-shaped upper snout and a long, low dorsal fin; a fast predator of the open water.
Where does the Mediterranean spearfish live?
The Mediterranean spearfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, pelagic in open, warm water above great depths.
How big does the Mediterranean spearfish get?
The Mediterranean spearfish grows to a maximum of about 240 cm. On average the species is around 200 cm.
Is the Mediterranean spearfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Mediterranean spearfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mediterranean spearfish edible?
Yes, the Mediterranean spearfish is commonly eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Mediterranean spearfish and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Mediterranean spearfish?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Tetrapturus
More from the family Istiophoridae
Want the complete picture on the Mediterranean spearfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mediterranean spearfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.