Depth
Tetrapturus · Bony Fish

Mediterranean Spearfish

Tetrapturus belone

0 - 200 m
Depth Range
240 cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0 - 200 m
Depth Range
240 cm
Max Size
Open Ocean
Habitat
Predator
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Low
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusTetrapturus
Speciesbelone

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationLarge, streamlined billfish with a long, rounded bill (shorter than marlins). Dark blue back, silver flanks, and a tall first dorsal fin that tapers rapidly. Slender body built for speed.
  • SizeUp to 240 cm total length and 70 kg, commonly 150 to 180 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary or in small groups. A fast, migratory pelagic predator that covers large distances.
  • HabitatOpen ocean, epipelagic zone. Migrates through the Mediterranean following prey schools.
  • DepthSurface to 200 m, primarily in the upper water column.
  • Feeds OnSmall pelagic fish including mackerel, sardines, and anchovies, along with squid.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea, with occasional records in the adjacent eastern Atlantic.
  • DescriptionThe only billfish that is largely restricted to the Mediterranean. It is a powerful, fast-swimming predator that uses its bill to stun prey fish before turning to consume them. Rarely seen by divers due to its open-ocean habitat, it is a prized catch for sport fishers.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

An oceanic, pelagic species found in open Mediterranean waters from the surface to about 200 m depth. Prefers warm, well-oxygenated surface waters. Endemic to the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic waters.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Open pelagic waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Prefers surface and mid-water zones with water temperatures above 18 degrees Celsius. Found far from shore over deep water. Makes seasonal migrations following prey and water temperature.

Encounter Tips

Encountered only in open water far from shore. Occasionally seen near offshore banks and seamounts where prey aggregates. Sport fishing boats sometimes encounter them near the surface.

Mediterranean Spearfish species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Tetrapturus belone may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red ListLeast Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
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