Sailfish

:Note that two American submarines were named USS Sailfish.

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Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) are fish living in the Atlantic Ocean. They are blue to gray in color and have a characteristic sail (dorsal fin) on top of them, often stretching the entire length of their back.

Related Topics:
Atlantic Ocean - Dorsal fin

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Description: color dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally, silvery white underbelly; upper jaw elongated in form of spear; first dorsal greatly enlarged in the form of a sail, with many black spots, its front squared off, highest at its midpoint; pelvic fins very narrow, reaching almost to the anus; body covered with embedded scales, blunt at end; lateral line curved above pectoral, then straight to base of tail.

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Similar fish: white marlin, Tetrapterus albidus; juvenile blue marlin, Makaira nigricans (spectacular sail-like dorsal of sailfish is most notable difference).

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Where found: Offshore species, in south Florida associated with waters near the Gulf Stream; off the Panhandle about 100 feet (30 m) deep.

Related Topics:
Florida - Gulf Stream - Panhandle - Feet - M

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Size: common to 7 feet (2.1 m).

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• Florida Record: 116 lbs. (52.6 kg).

Remarks: rapid growing species, reaching 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) in a single year; swims at speeds up to 50 knots (93 km/h); feeds on the surface or at mid-depths on smaller pelagic fishes and squid.

Related Topics:
Knots - Km/h

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They are the fastest fish in the ocean.

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