The swordfish, also known as the broadbill or gladiator fish, is a marine fish that primarily feeds on large fish for survival. They are one of the fastest swimming fish in the vast ocean. Swordfish are now being hunted by humans for their meat, which provides many essential nutrients for health. Information about this extraordinary species will be compiled in the following article!
What is a swordfish like?
The swordfish, scientifically known as Xiphias gladius, is an easily cultivated fish that yields high economic returns. Although they are somewhat difficult to catch, swordfish are a popular sport fish in the world of marine fishing. They have many interesting and outstanding characteristics that no other fish possess.
Distribution
Swordfish are often found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate ocean regions. They usually inhabit the mixed surface layer with an average water temperature above 15°C. Additionally, swordfish tend to concentrate in areas where some ocean currents intersect.
Currently, swordfish are found in many marine regions, such as the waters of Russia, the north of Hawaii, along the coast of the North Pacific, the western region of the United States, and the eastern region of Japan. During migration, swordfish can be seen moving along the eastern and central Pacific Ocean towards the northern waters of Hawaii and the western waters of the United States.
Outstanding features of swordfish
The top outstanding feature of swordfish is its unique appearance, easy to recognize. This type of fish leaves an impression with its round and elongated body combined with a long, sharp, and flat beak, all of which create a strong focal point for them. The long, sharp beak of the swordfish serves the function of hunting prey and also helps them escape from the dangerous attacks of predators.
The maximum size of swordfish can reach up to about 4.3 meters and can weigh up to 536 kilograms. Mature fish will no longer have teeth and scales. Female swordfish are usually larger than male swordfish.
The body of swordfish adapts very quickly to temperature. Although they are used to living in places with temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius, they can move and hunt in cold water of 5 degrees Celsius for a certain period of time. The reason why this species can adapt quickly is thanks to their two parts of the brain and eyes. These two organs of the swordfish help them adapt to the temperature as well as respond timely in new water environments.
Classification of swordfish
Swordfish are classified into two popular types: the Atlantic swordfish and the Indian swordfish. Both types are fish that provide high nutritional value, good for human health. These two types of swordfish have some external differences. Specifically:
Atlantic swordfish
Atlantic swordfish is the most popular type of swordfish today because it contains more meat than other types of swordfish. Atlantic swordfish usually live in coastal waters near land. With high adaptability, they can live in many ocean ecosystems from tropical to temperate seas.
Humans often find Atlantic swordfish in coral reefs and islands. Atlantic swordfish brings an easy-to-eat, rich, and flavorful taste, so it is favored by many people and processed into many different dishes.
Indian swordfish
The Indian swordfish, also known as black-finned swordfish, mainly lives in Africa. Their favorite food source is some smaller fish such as mackerel, dolphin fish, or squid.
The Indian swordfish is also known as a free-floating fish of coastal waters. Their entire body is covered in a striking, sparkling silver-blue color. In addition, their belly has a luminous white color, a characteristic that helps them distinguish easily from other fish species.
Reproduction characteristics of swordfish
Swordfish are egg-laying animals. Usually, male swordfish will reach sexual maturity at 3 to 4 years of age, while females can reach sexual maturity at around 4 to 5 years of age. Typically, individual males and females will pair up during the egg-laying season. Female swordfish can carry from 1 million to 29 million eggs in their reproductive organs. The spawning of female swordfish usually occurs collectively in marine waters with temperatures above 24 °C from around March to August each year, with the peak period being around July to August.
The above article has provided readers with information about swordfish. Hopefully, it will bring readers useful information. Share the article with family and friends to gain more interesting knowledge in life!