Read the article with FishingTheSpot: the swordfish
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See the fishing tripsThe Swordfish
All year round
120 cm
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The Swordfish belongs to the Xiphiidae family. Swordfish reach a maximum size of 455 cm in total length and a maximum weight of 650 kg, although individuals caught generally measure 120 to 190 cm in length for 140 kg. Swordfish have a minimum lifespan of 9 years. They can spawn all year round. They can be caught all year round.
Swordfish, are the only member of the Xiphiidae family and can be distinguished from other billfishes (family Billfish) by the shape of its extended "beak", which is in the form of a flattened oval cross-section. The bill is long compared to other sword fishes and adults lack teeth in the jaws. While the young have scales, they are lost when the fish reaches a length of about 1 m. Adults lack scales and teeth. The body is generally cylindrical. Two dorsal fins are present, although the second is quite small, separate from the first and very far back on the body. The first dorsal fin is high and rigid. Similarly, there are two anal fins, although the second is much smaller than the first. Pelvic fins are absent. The caudal fin is lunar, while the caudal peduncle has a pronounced keel on each side. The lateral line is also present in specimens up to 1 m long, but it is also missing in adulthood. Before adulthood, the morphology of swordfish changes considerably, as described below. The colour is blackish brown above, then moving to a lighter shade. The fins are brown or dark brown.
The Swordfish lifestyle
They feed on pelagic fish and occasionally on squid and other cephalopods.
The fecundity can vary but in general females can have between 1 and 29 million eggs in their gonads. Males and solitary females appear to marry during the spawning season. Pelagic eggs are floating and measure from 1.6 to 1.8 mm in diameter. Embryonic development takes place during the 2 œ days following fertilization. As a unique member of its family, swordfish have larvae of a unique appearance. Pelagic larvae hatch when reaches 4 mm and live near the surface.
The Swordfish habitat
The Swordfish is an ocean species. It can be found in medium depth between 200 and 600 m deep and a water temperature between 18 and 22 ° C. Although mainly a warm water species, swordfish has the widest temperature tolerance of all swordfish and occurs in waters from 5 to 27°C. Swordfish are commonly found in surface waters, but are thought to swim at depths of 650 m or more, where the water temperature may be just above freezing.
Swordfish can be found in ocean regions around the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.
The Swordfish angling
It is mainly longline fishing.
