How to Identify Mediterranean Spearfish

To identify Mediterranean Spearfish (Tetrapturus belone), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side is dark blue to black, fading to silvery-white on the ventral side. The first dorsal fin is dark blue, while other fins are generally dark brown to blackish, sometimes with a silvery sheen.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Relatively short bill compared to other marlins and sailfish, but longer than that of the shortbill spearfish (Tetrapturus angustirostris)., First dorsal fin is relatively low and long, extending almost the entire length of the back., Pectoral fins are long and narrow., Pelvic fins are slender and can be depressed into a groove., Lateral line is prominent and straight.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first is long and low, extending nearly the entire length of the back, with 44-50 rays. The second dorsal fin is small and located far back, with 6-7 rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, characteristic of fast-swimming pelagic fish.

Pectoral fin

Long and narrow, with 18-20 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are slender, composed of 1 ray, and can be folded into a ventral groove.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Bill Length

   The bill is relatively short compared to marlins, but distinctly longer than that of the shortbill spearfish (T. angustirostris). It is round in cross-section.

2. 2

   First Dorsal Fin

   The first dorsal fin is notably long and low, extending almost the entire length of the back, and lacks the high, sail-like appearance of a sailfish or the more pronounced height of a marlin's dorsal fin.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Very slender and elongated body, more so than other billfishes, giving it a 'spear-like' appearance.

4. 4

   Pectoral Fins

   Long and narrow pectoral fins that are not rigid and can be folded back against the body.

5. 5

   Lateral Line

   The lateral line is clearly visible and runs straight along the flank, unlike some other billfishes where it may be wavy.

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