| Family: |
Istiophoridae (Billfishes) |
| Max. size: |
230 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 52 kg |
| Environment: |
pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 0 - 1830 m, oceanodromous |
| Distribution: |
Indian and Pacific: tropical and temperate waters. Although some stray individuals are found in the Atlantic Ocean, this species is believed to have its spawning grounds and principal populations only in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Highly migratory species. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 51-57; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 18-23. Dark blue above, blue splattered with brown on the sides, silvery white below; 1st dorsal fin plain dark blue, other fins brown or dark brown; anal fin bases with tinges of silvery white. |
| Biology: |
Oceanic and epipelagic, found above the thermocline (Ref. 9308). Feeds on fishes, cephalopods and crustaceans. Also caught as a by-catch of long lines with hooks intended for tuna. Marketed frozen and prepared as fish cakes and sashimi in Japan (Ref. 9308). Also prepared as sausages. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 15 November 2021 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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