Common names
Broadbill, North Atlantic Swordfish, Broadbilled swordfish, Espada, Emperado
Swordfish
Xiphias gladius
- Saltwater
- Near threatened
Max length179.25 in
Common length118 in
Length typeLower Jaw
Max weight1433 lb 0 oz
Depth range0 - 9440 ft
Water typeSaltwater
Water temperature41 - 81 °F
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Swordfish are easily recognised by their relatively long and wide flattened bill which extends from their snout and looks like a sword, which distinguishes them from marlins and sailfish. They have stout, rounded elongated scaleless bodies and large eyes. They have dorsal fins that are widely separated and they do not possess ventral fins. Their first dorsal (back) fin is tall and crescent-shaped. Their second dorsal fin is much smaller. A large keel is present on each side of the body in front of the tail. They have a broad, crescent-shaped tail. Swordfish vary in colour from deep brown to black on the back and upper surface of the body to almost white on the side and lower body.
Habitat
Adult swordfish inhabiting deep oceanic waters, live in the surface to mid-water but feed throughout the water column.
Distribution
These fish are found widely in tropical, temperate and sometimes cold parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Behaviour
They swim alone or in very loose aggregations, separated by as much as 10 m (35 ft) from a neighbouring swordfish. Considered a highly migratory species. They are frequently found basking at the surface, airing their first dorsal fin. Adults feed on a wide range of pelagic fish, such as mackerel, barracudinas, silver hake, rockfish, herring, and lanternfishes, but they also take demersal fish, squid, and crustaceans. They move from spawning grounds in warm waters to feeding grounds in colder waters. Their bill is used to slash at their prey to injure the prey animal, to make for an easier catch.
Edibility
Swordfish is a mild-tasting, white-fleshed fish with a meaty texture. They provide an excellent source of selenium, a micronutrient that offers important cancer-fighting and heart health benefits.
Lure suggestion
Larger swordfish are line fished at night using baits drifted near the bottom on a heavy tackle deep dropping. Natural bait is more effective than artificial lures, but you can also use an artificial stuffed squid. Good bait: squid (works best), live fish (tinker mackerel, blue runner, etc.) and fish strips.