Swordfish

QUICK GUIDE

Target Species: Swordfish (Xiphias gladius)

Other Common Names: broadbill, pez espada

Identification: Adults lack scales and teeth. Generally cylindrical body. Prolonged upper jaw forming flattened bill oval in cross section. First dorsal fin is high and rigid. Second dorsal much smaller. separated from first and set far back on body. Body is blackish brown on back fading to lighter shade below. Brown or dark brown fins.

Biological Info: Prefers mid-water depths from 650 to 2,000 feet (200-600 m). Has widest temperature tolerance of all billfish. Mass of tissue connected with one of the eye muscles heats and insulates the brain allowing the fish to handle such great temperature variations. Spawn year around in equatorial waters and spring and summer in cooler regions. Reach sexual maturity at 5-6 years. Lifespan of approximately 9 years.

Geographical Range: World wide distribution including Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Latitudinal range of approximately 60ºN to 45ºS. Highly migratory.

Favored Water Temp.: 64º-70ºF (18º-22ºC)

Size: Males almost always under 200 lbs (90 kg). Females up to 15 feet (4.5 m) and 1400 lbs. (640 kg). Pacific broadbills are larger than Atlantic and Mediterranean which reach 700 lbs and 500 lbs respectively.

IGFA Record: 1,182 lbs (536 kg), Iquique, Chile, May 7, 1953.

Sporting characteristics: Very strong fighters, capable of high leaps, long runs and deep dives. Known to slash through leaders and even attack boat hulls.

Food & Feeding Habits: Pelagic

Fishing methods: Most commonly caught at night deep trolling baits and artificial lures with light stick well above bait.

Top Spots: Pemba Channel, Kenya, Africa, October-December, also March. La Guaira Bank, Bay of Islands, New Zealand all year.

Conservation: Catch and release. Circle hooks. Minimize handling and release quickly.