Sailfishes (genus Istiophorus) are fish living in all the oceans of the world. They are blue to gray in color and have a characteristic sail (dorsal fin) on top, which often stretches the entire length of the back. Another notable characteristic is the elongated bill, resembling that of a swordfish. Dorsal fin of an orca A dorsal fin is a fin located on the backs of fishes, whales, dolphins, and porpoises, as well as the (extinct) ichthyosaurs. ... Binomial name Xiphias gladius Linnaeus, 1758 Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) are large, highly migratory, predatory fish characterized by a long, flat bill in contrast to the smooth, round bill of the marlins. ...

All sailfish species grow quickly, reaching 1.2 to 1.5 meters in length in a single year, and feed on the surface or at mid-depths on smaller pelagic fishes and squid. Individuals have been clocked at speeds of up to 68.5 mph, making them the fastest fish in the ocean. Generally, sailfish do not grow to more than 10 feet in length and rarely weigh over 200 pounds, although larger specimens have been seen off the shores of Costa Rica. The pelagic zone is the part of the open sea or ocean comprising the water column, i. ... Suborders †Plesioteuthididae (incertae sedis) Myopsina Oegopsina Squid are a large, diverse group of marine cephalopods. ... Miles per hour is a unit of speed, expressing the number of international miles covered per hour. ...

The sail is normally kept folded down and to the side when swimming, but it may be raised when the sailfish feels threatened or excited, making it appear much larger than it actually is. This tactic has also been observed during feeding, when a group of sailfish use their sails to "herd" a school of fish or squid.

Sailfish are highly prized game fish and are known for their incredible jumps.

Species

• Atlantic sailfish, Istiophorus albicans.
• Indo-Pacific sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus.

The Atlantic sailfish (Istiophorus albicans) is a species of marine fish in family Istiophoridae of order Perciformes. ... The Atlantic sailfish is found in south Florida associated with waters near the Gulf Stream; off the Panhandle about 100 feet (30 m) deep. ... Binomial name Istiophorus platypterus (Shaw, 1792) The Indo-Pacific sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus, is a sailfish native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. ... The Indopacific Sailfish is dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally, silvery white underbelly; upper jaw elongated in form of spear; first dorsal greatly enlarged in the form of a sail, with many black spots, its front squared off, highest at its midpoint; pelvic fins very narrow, reaching almost to...

External links

• Sailfish Pictures