The sailfish, scientifically known as Istionphorus platypterus, typically grows to an average length of about 3 meters and weighs around 55 kg, although some individuals can reach lengths of up to 3.6 meters and weigh as much as 60 kg.
They possess a unique dorsal fin that resembles a large sail, which aids them in making abrupt stops or quick turns while swimming at high speeds. This sail-like fin is twice the height of their body.
Their shape has several other distinctive features: Their bodies are streamlined and aerodynamic, ideal for fast swimming. They have a long, pointed upper jaw resembling a spear, and large eyes. The upper part of their bodies is blue, while their bellies are white. Their dorsal fins and bodies have dark blue spots.
Sailfish are commonly found roaming throughout tropical and subtropical waters. Most of their lives are spent swimming near the surface. Typically, sailfish prefer solitude, but they occasionally swim in small groups.
Sailfish can swim incredibly fast, reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h when necessary. This high speed allows them to easily catch prey such as mackerel, herring, sardines, and drum fish, using their long bills to strike. When a fish is injured or killed by this lethal blow, the sailfish quickly turns back to seize the opportunity. Occasionally, they propel themselves into schools of fish with such force that they leap out of the water.
Sailfish feed on a wide variety of marine animals, seemingly consuming almost any type of fish and squid smaller than themselves encountered during their foraging.
Sailfish are quite cunning, conserving energy while hunting. Occasionally, they coordinate with other sailfish to hunt together. They herd their prey and drive it near the surface, where it becomes difficult for the prey to escape. At this point, the sailfish take turns feeding while the others keep the prey from fleeing.
Sailfish spawn offshore, with females releasing their eggs into the water while males release sperm, allowing the eggs to drift along with ocean currents. The fertilized eggs hatch relatively quickly, with larvae emerging in just 1.5 days.
During each spawning event, a female sailfish can release between 4 to 5 million eggs, but most of these eggs fail to develop into mature fish. However, the surviving juvenile sailfish grow rapidly, reaching approximately 1.2 meters in length within just one year.
The average lifespan of a sailfish is about 10 years.
