Shortbill Spearfish Identification Guide

Key identification features

• Slender, laterally compressed billfish, generally the smallest of the spearfish and marlin group, under 6 feet
• Notably short, stubby bill compared to marlins, often barely longer than the lower jaw
• Dark blue-black back fading to silvery-white below, sometimes with faint pale vertical bars
• First dorsal fin tall near the front and rounded, not sail-like
• Pelvic fins short and slender
• Body depth relatively shallow compared to marlins of similar length

Common look-alikes

• White Marlin: has a longer, more slender bill and rounded fin tips similar to Shortbill Spearfish, but grows larger with a proportionally longer bill relative to head length
• Striped Marlin: shows a taller, more angular first dorsal fin and consistently visible pale body stripes, features Shortbill Spearfish lacks
• Sailfish: has a dramatically tall, sail-like dorsal fin that dwarfs anything seen on a Shortbill Spearfish

Where you'll see one

Shortbill Spearfish inhabit deep, open offshore waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, typically far from shore over deep blue water, and are less commonly encountered than other billfish due to their offshore, deep-swimming habits.