Details
Istiophorus platypterus
The sailfish is a fast open-ocean predator of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Active across day and night, it uses its great dorsal fin while hunting schooling prey.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses warm surface waters offshore, current lines, coastal slopes, and productive upwellings. Movements track areas where small fish are concentrated.
Length is about 150-340 cm and weight about 20-100 kg. A long bill, huge sail-like dorsal fin, blue body, and vertical bars are distinctive.
It swims alone or in loose groups and may raise the sail while herding small fish. Sharp turns and acceleration help it slice through prey schools.
It is carnivorous, eating small fish and squid. The bill can slash or unsettle prey, after which weakened animals are swallowed quickly.
Spawning takes place in warm seas, with eggs and larvae drifting near the surface. Young grow in offshore feeding areas.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. It is an iconic pelagic fish, though bycatch and sport-fishing practices depend on regional management.
