The Mediterranean Spearfish is an impressive, large pelagic fish belonging to the family Istiophoridae. It represents the regional equivalent of the great marlins found in the oceans, but it is specifically adapted to the waters of the Mediterranean. It is frequently confused with the Swordfish even though it possesses fundamental differences. The most characteristic feature is the upper jaw, which extends to form a long, pointed spear. Unlike the Swordfish, which has a broad and flat sword, the spear of this fish is round and relatively short in relation to its body.

It also differs significantly in its dorsal fin structure. While the Swordfish has a short and tall fin resembling that of a shark, the Mediterranean Spearfish has a long and low fin that extends along almost its entire back and looks like a mane. The body is elongated and laterally compressed, with dark blue or grey on the back and silver on the belly.

This is one of the few large pelagic species considered endemic to the Mediterranean meaning it lives and reproduces almost exclusively in this sea and does not migrate to the Atlantic Ocean. It lives in the open sea, far from the coast, and usually moves in the upper water layers from the surface down to a depth of 200 metres.

The spearfish is a large fish although it is smaller than its relatives in the oceans. Its usual length ranges from 1.5 to 2 metres. The maximum recorded length reaches 2.4 metres, and its weight can exceed 70 kilograms.

The animal is a very fast and aggressive predator. It feeds primarily on surface-feeding fish that form schools, such as sardines and anchovies, as well as round sardinella and garfish, along with cephalopods. It uses its spear as a weapon, attacking at high speed within schools and striking left and right to wound or stun its prey before swallowing it.

Fisheries & Economic Value

It is not a primary target of commercial fisheries in the Mediterranean, such as Tuna or Swordfish. It is caught mainly as bycatch in surface longlines and swordfish longlines, as well as by recreational fishers using offshore trolling techniques. The meat is of good quality and pink or reddish, while it resembles that of the swordfish, although it is considered slightly inferior in taste and price.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the Mediterranean Spearfish as a species of Least Concern at the Mediterranean level because its populations appear stable. Scientific studies have confirmed, genetically, that it is a distinct species from the corresponding Atlantic species, while reinforcing the theory that the Mediterranean functions as a separate ecosystem for this fish. Furthermore, research into its biology showed that it has a shorter lifespan than that of other billfish.