Swordfish

	Scientific Name	Xiphias gladius
	Other Names	Broadbill
	World Record	612 lbs., 12 oz's

Description

The colour of the back is variable, black, grayish blue, brown, metallic purple, or bronze; sides dusky; underbelly dirty white; long, flat, sword-like upper jaw; lacks scales, teeth, and pelvic fins; single keel on each side of body in front of tail; first dorsal fin high, rigid and short; large eyes.

Habitat

An offshore species worldwide in temperate and tropic waters; known to frequent depths of 400 to 500 fathoms; also has been seen basking at the surface.

Feeding Habits

Females believed to prefer water cooler than that favored by males; feeds on squid, octopus, and pelagic fishes of all kinds.

Age and Growth

Large swordfish are all females, males seldom exceeding 200 pounds; except when spawning,

Tackle and Methods

They are caught with the same tactics as marlin and sailfish, but are better suited for downsized tackle. Because they are caught so infrequently, most catches occur when fishing for larger billfish with heavier tackle. Trolling at a relatively fast speed is the most common and effective method. Surface and subsurface trolling lures and squid imitations are standard offerings.

 

 

 

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	Marlin Black		Cobia
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	Marlin Striped		Sailfish
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