Longbill spearfish
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
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

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]

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

  1. ^ a b Collette, B.; Amorim, A.F.; Boustany, A.; Carpenter, K.E.; de Oliveira Leite Jr.; N.; Fox, W.; Fredou, F.L.; Graves, J.; Viera Hazin, F.H.; Juan Jorda, M.; Minte Vera, C.; Miyabe, N.; Nelson, R.; Oxenford, H.; Teixeira Lessa, R.P.; Pires Ferreira Travassos, P.E. (2011). "Tetrapturus pfluegeri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T170307A6738137. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T170307A6738137.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ Froese, Rainer; 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.


Categories