Sailfish: Difference between revisions
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'''Sailfish''' are two species of fish in the [[genus]] '''''Istiophorus''''', living in warmer sections of all the oceans of the world. They are predominately blue to gray in colour and have a characteristic erectile [[dorsal fin]] known as a sail, which often stretches the entire length of the back. Another notable |
'''Sailfish''' are two species of fish in the [[genus]] '''''Istiophorus''''', living in warmer sections of all the oceans of the world. They are predominately blue to gray in colour and have a characteristic erectile [[dorsal fin]] known as a sail, which often stretches the entire length of the back. Another notable characteristicistic is the elongated bill, resembling that of the [[swordfish]] and other [[marlin]]s. They are therefore described as [[billfish]] in sport fishing circles. |
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==Species== |
==Species== |
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{{commons category|Istiophorus}} |
{{commons category|Istiophorus}} |
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* [http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/09/sailfish/nicklen-photography Images from National Geographic] |
* [http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/09/sailfish/nicklen-photography Images from National Geographic] |
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{{billfish}} |
{{billfish}} |
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Revision as of 00:38, 27 March 2013
| Sailfish | |
|---|---|
| |
| Indo-Pacific sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | Istiophorus Lacépède, 1801
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| Species: | see below
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| Binomial name | |
| Istiophorus albicans, Istiophorus platypterus | |
Sailfish are two species of fish in the genus Istiophorus, living in warmer sections of all the oceans of the world. They are predominately blue to gray in colour and have a characteristic erectile dorsal fin known as a sail, which often stretches the entire length of the back. Another notable characteristicistic is the elongated bill, resembling that of the swordfish and other marlins. They are therefore described as billfish in sport fishing circles.
Species
- Atlantic sailfish (Istiophorus albicans).
- Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus).
Description
Both species of sailfish grow quickly, reaching 1.2–1.5 metres (3 ft 11 in – 4 ft 11 in)* in length in a single year, and feed on the surface or at mid-depths on smaller pelagic forage fish and squid. Individuals have been clocked at speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph), which is the highest speed reliably reported in any water organism.[2][3] Generally, sailfish do not grow to more than 3 metres (9.8 ft) in length and rarely weigh over 90 kilograms (200 lb).
The sail is normally kept folded down and to the side when swimming, but it may be raised when the sailfish feels threatened or excited, making the fish appear much larger than it actually is. This tactic has also been observed during feeding, when a group of sailfish use their sails to "herd" a school of fish or squid.
Sailfish are highly prized game fish and are known for their incredible jumps and great speed.They can swim the 100 meter olympic in 4.8 seconds. They can appear in a startling array of colours, from subdued browns and grays to vibrant purples and even silver. Their body colours are often highlighted by stripes of iridescent blue and silver dots. Sailfish can change their colours almost instantly - a change controlled by their nervous system. The sailfish can rapidly turn its body light blue with yellowish stripes when excited, confusing its prey and making capture easier, while signalling its intentions to fellow sailfish.[4]
Notes
- ^ Sepkoski, Jack (2002). "A compendium of fossil marine animal genera". Bulletins of American Paleontology. 364: p.560. Retrieved 2008-01-08.
{{cite journal}}:|pages=has extra text (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Haulin' Bass - elasmo-research.org. Accessed March 19, 2008
- ^ "Sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus". Retrieved 2011-01-02.
- ^ [1] National Geographic Society
References
- Schultz, Ken (2003) Ken Schultz's Field Guide to Saltwater Fish pp. 162–163, John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 9780471449959.
- Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2008). Species of Istiophorus in FishBase. March 2008 version.
External links
