SPEARFISH, MEDITERRANEAN
The Mediterranean Spearfish, is a species of marlin. It is an open-water fish, being found within 200 metres (660 ft) of the surface. This species can reach a length of 240 centimetres (94 in) TL. The heaviest recorded specimen weighed in at 70 kilograms (150 lb) This species is of minor importance to commercial fisheries.
The Mediterranean Spearfish is moderately slender, bill fairly short and round in crosssection, nape almost straight and only gently sloping up to dorsal finorigin. The pectoral fins are very short, about equal to post-orbital part of head;pelvic fins about twice as long; anterior lobe of first dorsal fin rounded, its height a little greater than body depth, with 39-46 finrays, second dorsal fin with 5-7 finrays; first anal fin with 11-15 finrays, second with 6-7 finrays; anus well in front of origin of first anal fin. It’s body is densely covered with elongate scales, each with 3-5 posterior spines. The colour of the Mediterranean Spearfish is blue-black on the back, lower flanks and belly silvery, the two abruptly demarcated; sometimes small vague vertical bars on flanks in young.
As the roundscale spearfish 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. Most are taken incidentally.
Internationally
In the Mediterranean Sea, this species is abundant around Italy and recently reported from Tunisia. There are no confirmed reports from the Black Sea. Catches have also been reported from the Aegean Sea, but no adults have been reported in the northern part.