|
Spearfish: Common
throughout the tropical Atlantic, south Argentina and may range as
far north as Cape Cod, Massachusetts in the summer months. A
pelagic, migratory, deep water species, it may form schools composed
of 50,000 or more individuals.
The longbill spearfish is
known to occur in the northwest Atlantic from New Jersey to
Venezuela, including the Gulf of Mexico. The shortbill spearfish is
known in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Mediterranean spearfish
is known to occur only in the Mediterranean Sea. It can be
distinguished from other billfishes by its slender, lightweight
body, short bill, and its dorsal fin which is highest
anteriorly.
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 still quite short by billfish standards.
The pectoral fins of the shortbill and Mediterranean spearfishes
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.
They are pelagic, off shore, deep-water
fishes. 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.
Fishing methods are the same as for
other billfish but with lighter tackle. Available data indicate that
the longbill spearfish matures by the age of two and rarely lives
past three years of age. Maximum age may be four to are years. Some
scientists believe that a fourth species of spearfish (tetrapturus
georgei; Lowe, 1840) exists. Called the roundscale spearfish, it
occurs around Sicily, Portugal, and Spain and is said to resemble
the so-called hatchet marlin.
Other names: longbill
spearfish, shortbill spearfish, shortnose spearfish, slender
spearfish, Mediterranean spearfish
Scientific name:
Tetrapturus pfluegeri/Tetrapturus angustirostris/ Tetrapturus belone
Genus: ISTIOPHORIDAE FAMILY
Source:
madeira-fishing.com, Copyright (c) 2009.
|
|
World Record
Sizes and Weights:
Professional Charter Boats
by Region:
Experienced Private Guides
by Region:
Research
Materials and Books:
Recipes and Cookbooks:
Forums and Chat:
Taxidermists & Art:
Member Photos and Videos:
Where to Buy High Quality
Fresh and Frozen Spearfish:
|
