Spearfish Tetrapturus angustirostris
Shortbill spearfish
Distribution - In Australia the species has only ever been recorded off Perth (WA), Port Stephens (NSW) and Adelaide (SA). It is rarely seen in coastal waters as it prefers oceanic conditions.
Size - Maximum length of around 2m.
Characteristics - The shortbill spearfish is one of the smallest and poorly known species of billfishes. Its occurrence in shallow south coast waters is a very rare event. A dark black band extends across the top of the fish with a silver-white colour below. The dorsal and ventral fins are almost black and the anal fins are a white colour. The inner surfaces of the caudal and pectoral fins are black and the outer surface is white.
Confusing species - Can be confused with other marlin and swordfish species.