|
Istiophorus albicans (Latreille, 1804) Atlantic sailfish |
|
|
photo by
Baumeier, E. |
| Family: | Istiophoridae (Billfishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 315 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 58 kg; max. reported age: 4 years | |||
| Environment: | pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 0 - 200 m, oceanodromous | |||
| Distribution: | Atlantic Ocean: in tropical and temperate waters approximately 40°N in the northwest Atlantic, 50°N in the northeast Atlantic, 40°S in the southwest Atlantic, and 32°S in the southeast Atlantic. Migrating to Mediterranean Sea, mostly based on juvenile specimens. Highly migratory species. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 48-53; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 9-12; Vertebrae: 24-24 | |||
| Biology: | Usually found in the upper layers of warm water above the thermocline, but also capable of descending to rather deep water. Often migrate into near-shore waters. Occasionally form schools or smaller groups of 3 to 30 individuals, but often occur in loose aggregations over a wide area. Feed mainly on small pelagic fishes but also takes bottom-dwelling organisms. Females grow larger (Ref. 4770). Utilized fresh, canned and frozen; eaten steamed (Ref. 9987). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||