Animal Profiles
Fish

Sailfish

Istiophorus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Sailfishes are predatory billfishes with an exceptionally high dorsal fin. This account describes the Indo-Pacific sailfish, which hunts smaller fishes and squid in warm marine waters.

Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) photographed after capture alongside a boat.

Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) photographed after capture alongside a boat.

Robert Webster · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Istiophorus platypterus is the representative used here, following the Indo-Pacific treatment of the cited account. These mobile fishes use warm surface waters and productive coastal or offshore feeding areas.
Habitat
Open ocean, Coast
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Small schooling fishes and cephalopods provide food.

Classification

Common name
Sailfish
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Istiophorus
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Three things to know

  • It has a sail-like dorsal fin.
  • It hunts fish and squid.
  • It does not guard its eggs.

Habitat and range

Istiophorus platypterus is the representative used here, following the Indo-Pacific treatment of the cited account. These mobile fishes use warm surface waters and productive coastal or offshore feeding areas.

Appearance and adaptations

A long bill projects from the head. The high, sail-like dorsal fin can be lowered, changing the outline during swimming. The streamlined body is suited to pursuing mobile prey.

Diet and behaviour

Small schooling fishes and cephalopods provide food. Sailfish can hunt alone or in small groups and use rapid bill movements during attacks. Eggs and sperm are released into the water without subsequent parental care.

Sources

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