Longbill spearfish

The longbill spearfish (Tetrapturus pfluegeri) is a species of marlin native to the Atlantic Ocean where it is found above the thermocline in open waters between 40°N and 35°S.[1] This species can reach a length of 254 centimetres (100 in) FL and the maximum weight recorded is 58 kilograms (128 lb).[2] It feeds on pelagic fishes such as needlefish, tuna, and jack, as well as squids. They spawn once a year. The specific name honours the Florida game fisherman and taxidermist Albert Pflueger Sr, who died in 1962.[3]

Longbill spearfish
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Istiophoriformes
Family: Istiophoridae
Genus: Tetrapturus
Species:
T. pfluegeri
Binomial name
Tetrapturus pfluegeri
C. R. Robins & de Sylva, 1963

Description

The longbill spearfish is a blueish black color from above, and silvery-white and brown on the sides. The pectorals are blackish-brown and the dorsal fins are dark blue.

References
  • Robins, Richard P.; Donald P. de Sylva (1963). "A New Western Atlantic Spearfish, Tetrapturus Pfluegeri, with a Redescription of the Mediterranean Spearfish Tetrapturus Belone". Bulletin of Marine Science. 13 (1): 84–122.
  1. Collette, B.; Amorim, A.F.; Boustany, A.; et al. (2011). "Tetrapturus pfluegeri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T170307A6738137. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T170307A6738137.en.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2013). "Tetrapturus pfluegeri" in FishBase. August 2013 version.
  3. "Biographical Etymology of Marine Organism Names. P". Hans.G.Hansson. Retrieved 13 May 2018.


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