Sailfish

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This article is about the fish. For other meanings see Sunfish (dinghy) and USS Sailfish.

Sailfishes

Indo-Pacific sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Istiophoridae
Genus:	Istiophorus Lacépède, 1801

Species

See text.

Sailfish are fish of the genus Istiophorus, living in all the oceans of the world. They are blue to gray in color and have a characteristic sail (dorsal fin) which often stretches the entire length of the back. Another notable characteristic is the elongated bill, resembling that of a swordfish.

All sailfish species grow quickly, reaching 1.2 to 1.5 m in length in a single year, and feed on the surface or at mid-depths on smaller pelagic fishes and squid. Individuals have been clocked at speeds of up to 68.5 mph, making them the fastest fish in the ocean. Generally, sailfish do not grow to more than 10 ft in length and rarely weigh over 200 lb, although larger specimens have been seen off the shores of Costa Rica.

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.