Spearfish

{
  "id": "dc102bf7-853e-4642-b83a-63d3cbb9834f",
  "commonName": "Spearfish",
  "scientificName": "Tetrapturus angustirostris",
  "slug": "spearfish",
  "category": "saltwater",
  "aliases": [
    "Shortbill Spearfish"
  ],
  "description": "The spearfish is a sleek, elegant predator of the offshore, distinguished by its namesake, elongated, pointed rostrum that looks like a rapier crafted for piercing baitfish. Its body is a study in hydrodynamic efficiency, narrower and more cylindrical than its larger billfish cousins. Anglers will recognize its brilliant, iridescent blue back, shading to shimmering silver sides and a white belly, and relatively small dorsal fin compared to the majestic sail of a sailfish. It is the smallest of the true billfish, typically running 20 to 45 pounds, with true trophies pushing towards the 90-pound mark. In the water or at boatside, the telltale spear, compact body, and stunning metallic flash set it apart immediately.",
  "imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/spearfish/main.webp",
  "hero": {
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    "altText": "Spearfish (Tetrapturus angustirostris) watercolor",
    "caption": "The spearfish is a sleek, elegant predator of the offshore, distinguished by its namesake, elongated, pointed rostrum that looks like a rapier crafted for piercing baitfish.",
    "width": 2400,
    "height": 1340
  },
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "a21c7508-efcd-48f8-b474-1ded86a1b0be",
      "name": "Adult",
      "slug": "adult",
      "description": "The spearfish in its prime is a high-speed predator of the open ocean, roaming the offshore blue water for schools of baitfish and squid. It lives a fast-paced, nomadic life, traveling in loose aggregations and relying on its incredible speed and sword-like bill to slash through prey. This is the phase anglers dream of encountering during a day of trolling or live-baiting the deep.",
      "appearance": "A sleek, cylindrical projectile of a fish with a remarkable, elongated, and spear-pointed rostrum (upper jaw) that constitutes nearly half of the head's length. The body is covered in small, smooth scales. The back and upper sides are a brilliant, iridescent cobalt blue, often with a distinct lavender sheen, which fades to shimmering, metallic silver on the lower sides and a clean white belly. The dorsal fin is proportionally small, only rising to a modest height and never reaching the size or sail-like expanse of a sailfish. Pelvic fins are long and thin. The lateral line is prominent as a gentle, arching curve. Typical adult size ranges from 3 to 4.5 feet in length and 20 to 45 pounds, with exceptional specimens reaching up to 90 pounds.",
      "triggers": null,
      "habitat": "Open ocean (pelagic), usually found in blue water offshore, often associated with current lines, temperature breaks, and floating debris or weed lines. Prefers deep, warm tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.",
      "anglersNote": "This is the primary target phase for offshore anglers. Prized for its blistering runs and acrobatic fights on relatively light tackle, it's a classic 'light-tackle' billfish, best targeted via high-speed trolling or live-baiting.",
      "displayOrder": 0,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    }
  ],
  "contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:33:51.710Z"
}

[]

[]

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  "title": null,
  "description": "Shortbill Spearfish are small billfish found in warm offshore waters. Recognize their rapier-like bill and iridescent blue and silver bodies.",
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  "ogDescription": "The Shortbill Spearfish is the smallest billfish, known for its speed and distinctive spear-like bill. Learn how to target this elusive offshore predator.",
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  "focusKeyword": "spearfish fishing",
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    "tetrapturus angustirostris",
    "saltwater",
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