sailfish

Sailfish are large billfish of the family Istiophoridae. In the genus Istiophorus, they are among the fastest marine predators. They are notable for an elongated bill and a tall, sail-like dorsal fin that can be raised or lowered.

Two widely recognized species are the Atlantic sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) and the Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus albicans). They typically reach 2 to 3 meters in length and up to about 90 kilograms. Their bodies are metallic blue and silver, with a long bill and a deeply forked tail; the dorsal fin forms a large sail.

Distribution and habitat: Sailfish occur in warm, tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. They are largely pelagic, inhabiting surface waters in the epipelagic zone and migrating with prey availability, currents, and temperature fronts.

Behavior and diet: Sailfish are fast predators that feed mainly on small fish and squid. They use their bills to stun and injure prey, enabling rapid capture. They may be solitary or travel in small groups while feeding.

Reproduction and human use: Sailfish spawn in warmer waters, releasing large numbers of eggs into the open ocean. Growth is rapid, and juveniles mature after a few years. They are popular in sport fishing and are also caught for meat; bycatch in some fisheries prompts management measures.