| Family: |
Istiophoridae (Billfishes) |
| Max. size: |
300 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 83 kg |
| Environment: |
pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 0 - 150 m, oceanodromous |
| Distribution: |
Atlantic Ocean: roughly from 45°N to 45°S in the southwestern Atlantic and 35°S in the southeastern Atlantic. Records from the Mediterranean Sea, and from Bretagne, France seem to correspond to a few straying individuals. Classified as 'reduced' (Ref. 12451). It is unclear whether there are two separate stocks or a single population in the Atlantic. Highly migratory species. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 43-52; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 17-23. Blue-black above, silvery white and splattered with brown on the sides, silvery white below; sometimes with more than 15 rows of obscure whitish stripes; 1st dorsal fin dark blue with black dots; 2nd dorsal fin dark blue; pectorals blackish brown, with tinges of silvery white in some specimens; pelvic fins blue-black with a black fin membrane; caudal fin blackish brown. |
| Biology: |
Usually above the thermocline. Its distribution varies seasonally, reaching higher latitudes in both the northern and southern hemispheres only during the respective warm seasons. Usually found in deep (over 100 m) blue water with surface temperatures over 22°C and salinities of 35 to 37 ppt. Currents of 0.5 to 2 knots occur over much of its habitat. Feeds on fishes and squids. Females grow larger (Ref. 4770). Flesh is of excellent quality. Marketed fresh and frozen. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 May 2021 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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