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Longwing spinyfin

Diretmoides pauciradiatus

Longwing spinyfin© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Longwing spinyfin (Diretmoides pauciradiatus) is a small mesopelagic fish reaching about 37 cm in length. It inhabits the open‑ocean twilight zone and can be attracted with deep‑water light rigs. Its elongated fins give it the common name “long‑wing.”

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Diretmidae

Max Size

37 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

0-950m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

Year‑round

Best Time

Night (dusk to dawn) when the species migrates upward

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Longwing spinyfin

  • Use vertical jigging with a downrigger to reach 200‑800 m depth
  • Attach glow‑in‑the‑dark jigs and a bright LED lantern to mimic prey
  • Employ heavy‑action rods with 30‑80 lb test braid for sudden runs
  • Target continental slopes and seamounts at night

Top Fishing Locations for Longwing spinyfin

Christmas Island Deepwater Spot

Australia
expert78% Very Common

World‑renowned for its abundant deep‑sea fauna, Christmas Island offers steep drop‑offs where Longwing spinyfin congregate near the thermocline.

Best: March‑May

Darwin Island, Galápagos

Ecuador
expert32% Occasional

Remote volcanic seamounts provide ideal conditions for pelagic spinyfins; anglers target them from deep‑sea charter vessels.

Best: June‑August

Cape Point, South Africa

South Africa
intermediate22% Uncommon

The meeting of the Benguela and Agulhas currents creates nutrient‑rich upwellings that attract Longwing spinyfin to the continental shelf edge.

Best: November‑February

Miyako‑jima, Okinawa

Japan
intermediate17% Uncommon

Deep reefs off Miyako‑jima host occasional aggregations of Longwing spinyfin, best accessed via night‑time jigging from live‑aboard boats.

Best: April‑June

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

Australia
intermediate11% Rare

While famous for coral species, the outer reef drop‑off near Lizard Island sees occasional Longwing spinyfin during warm currents.

Best: September‑November

São Miguel, Azores

Portugal
intermediate13% Rare

The deep Atlantic basins around São Miguel provide a sporadic but reliable presence of Longwing spinyfin for experienced anglers.

Best: May‑July

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Longwing spinyfin

Recommended Equipment

RodHeavy‑action deep‑sea jigging rod, 7‑8 ft
Line30‑80 lb test braid or high‑strength fluorocarbon
Lure TypeGlow‑in‑the‑dark deep‑water jig or weighted spoon with built‑in LED
TechniqueVertical jigging with downrigger and lights

Best bait: Small squid strips or lanternfish (if available)