Fish
Swordfish
Xiphias gladius
(FAO 27) Northeast Atlantic
Zone de pêche
Wild
Origine
212 cm
Taille minimale
Description
Its body is elongated, robust, and cylindrical in cross-section. Its most famous feature is its rostrum (sword), which is a flat, sharp extension of the upper jaw, accounting for about one-third of the total body length. It has a large, tall, rigid dorsal fin shaped like a scythe. Unlike marlins, adult swordfish lack pelvic fins and have no visible scales (smooth skin). Adults are completely toothless. They use their rostrum to stun or injure their prey (fish, squid) before consuming them. The back is black-brown or blue-black, fading to light brown or silvery on the sides and belly. Its typical size is 2 to 3 meters, but it can reach a maximum length of 4.5 meters with a record weight of 650 kg.
Habitat
It is a pelagic and oceanic fish that migrates over very long distances. It has a very wide vertical distribution. Although it is often seen near the surface, it can dive to depths of over 800 meters. It can tolerate water temperatures ranging from 5°C to 27°C, although it prefers temperate waters above 13°C to remain active. It is a solitary predator. It possesses a unique heating system (thermogenic tissue) located near its eyes and brain, which allows it to hunt effectively in the very cold waters of the deep.
Distribution
The swordfish is a cosmopolitan species found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters around the world. It is found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. It is particularly abundant in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is a major target of traditional fishing. It is also found in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.