| Family: |
Istiophoridae (Billfishes) |
| Max. size: |
254 cm FL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 58 kg |
| Environment: |
pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 0 - 200 m, oceanodromous |
| Distribution: |
Atlantic Ocean: widely distributed in offshore waters, much more densely so in the western than in the eastern Atlantic. Highly migratory species. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 50-57; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 18-21; Vertebrae: 24-24. Blue-black above, silvery white splattered with brown on the sides, silvery white below; dorsal fins dark blue; pectorals blackish brown, occasionally with tinges of greyish white; pelvic fins blue-black with a black fin membrane; 1st anal fin dark blue with silvery white at base; 2nd anal fin blackish brown. |
| Biology: |
Oceanic species, chiefly found in offshore waters, usually above the thermocline. Feed mainly on pelagic fishes and squids (Ref. 4770). Females probably spawn once a year (Ref. 4770). Marketed frozen. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 September 2010 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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