Shortbill spearfish
A small marlin with a short bill found in tropical oceans.
The shortbill spearfish is a species of marlin found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has a slim blue body, a silver belly, and a notably short upper jaw bill. This fish reaches up to 230 cm in length and weighs as much as 52 kg. It lives near the surface in open waters and serves as a minor commercial catch and game fish.
- Reaches a maximum length of 230 cm
- Features a distinctively short upper jaw bill
- Found mainly in Indian and Pacific Oceans
- Weighs up to 52 kg at maximum size
- Valued as a game fish for anglers
What it is
The shortbill spearfish is a type of marlin distinguished by its compact size and unique facial structure. It features a slender frame with a deep blue back that fades to silver on the underside. The most defining trait is the very short bill extending from the upper jaw, which is much shorter than those of other marlin species. Adults can grow up to 230 cm long, though most individuals remain smaller than 190 cm. The maximum recorded weight is 52 kg. This fish is built for speed in open water environments.
Where it lives
This species inhabits the warm open waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. While it is native to these regions, there are occasional records of its presence in the Atlantic Ocean. It prefers pelagic zones, staying in open waters rather than near the coast or reef structures. The fish typically remains not far from the surface, making it accessible to surface-dwelling predators and fishermen alike. Its distribution suggests a preference for tropical and subtropical marine environments across vast oceanic expanses.
How it lives
Information regarding specific dietary habits, schooling behaviour, and natural predators is limited in the provided material. As a member of the marlin family, it likely shares traits with related species, such as being a fast swimmer capable of chasing prey in open water. Its position near the surface suggests it may feed on smaller fish or squid that inhabit the upper layers of the ocean. The slim body shape supports agile movement through the water column.
Breeding and life cycle
Consequently, specific information about reproductive cycles, mating rituals, or nursery areas cannot be provided. The life history traits concerning how this species propagates and raises its young remain unspecified in the available data.
Fish and people
The shortbill spearfish holds minor importance in commercial fisheries, meaning it is not a primary target for large-scale industrial fishing operations. However, it is valued as a game fish, attracting anglers who seek the challenge of catching marlin-like species. Its presence in Hawaiian seafood contexts indicates it is consumed locally in some regions. The fish provides recreational opportunities for sport fishing enthusiasts who operate in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Status and threats
There is no data provided regarding International Union for Conservation of Nature ratings or local protection measures. Without specific assessments, the current ecological standing of the shortbill spearfish remains unclassified in this context.
Questions people ask about Shortbill spearfish
How big does the shortbill spearfish get?
This species can reach a maximum length of 230 cm, which is about 91 inches. However, most individuals do not exceed 190 cm. The heaviest recorded specimen weighed 52 kg.
Where can you find shortbill spearfish?
They are native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They live in open waters near the surface. There are also occasional records of them appearing in the Atlantic Ocean.
Is the shortbill spearfish good for eating?
It is of minor importance to commercial fisheries but is consumed in some areas, such as Hawaii. It is primarily known as a game fish for sport fishing rather than a major food source.
Good reading and sources
- Shortbill spearfish on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Shortbill spearfish", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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