The Mediterranean spearfish is a slender billfish of the family Istiophoridae (sailfishes and spearfishes) reaching about 2.4 metres. The upper jaw is extended into a short, rounded spear, shorter than in a true marlin; a long, low dorsal fin runs along the back. The body is blue-black above and silvery-white below, streamlined for high speed. The species is endemic to the Mediterranean and lives pelagically in open, warm water above great depths. As a fast predator it hunts schooling fish and squid, which it can strike with its bill. It spawns in summer with floating eggs. The Mediterranean spearfish is a valued sport and food fish caught by trolling.