| Family: |
Istiophoridae (Billfishes) |
| Max. size: |
240 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 70 kg |
| Environment: |
pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 0 - 200 m, oceanodromous |
| Distribution: |
Mediterranean Sea: considerably abundant around Italy. No confirmed report from the Black Sea. No adults have been reported east of the Ionian Sea. Highly migratory species. Reportedly caught from the Aegean Sea (Pennetti, pers. comm.). |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
This species is the most common istiophorid in the central basin of the Mediterranean and completes its life cycle inside this sea as far as is known to date. Probably swims in the upper 200 m water layer, generally above or within the thermocline. Travels in pairs, possibly corresponding to a feeding behavior. Feeds on fishes. Probably more widespread in the Mediterranean Sea and may have been identified as T. albidus by anglers and fishermen. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 November 2021 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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