Sailfish

Where it lives

Sailfish inhabit warm pelagic waters across the world’s tropical and subtropical oceans, generally in the upper 100 m. They favor surface temperatures above 22 C and concentrate around productive coastal upwellings and current convergence zones.

How to recognise it

The unmistakable feature is the enormous, sail-like first dorsal fin — taller than the body is deep and spangled with darker spots. The bill is long and slim, the body laterally compressed and deep electric blue above with silvery flanks crossed by vertical pale bars that flash during feeding.

Diet & behavior

Sailfish hunt cooperatively, using their raised sails to herd sardine and anchovy bait balls before slashing through with their bills to stun prey. Burst speeds in excess of 100 km/h have been reported, though precise measurements are debated.

Fisheries & Conservation

Listed as Vulnerable. A major bycatch in tuna longline fleets; targeted sport fisheries practice catch-and-release and are economically important in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Kenya.