Atlantic sailfish (Istiophorus albicans)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Istiophorus albicans
- Common name
- Atlantic sailfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Istiophoridae
- Genus
- Istiophorus
- Size
- 150–315 cm
- Depth
- 0–200 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- schooling, fast-moving
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Istiophorus albicans reaches 3.15 m and 100 kg. Atlantic sailfish (Istiophoridae), one of the world's fastest fish (110 km/h documented). Spindle-shaped metallic blue body with silver-white belly, long bill, huge extensible electric-blue dorsal fin as sail (hence sailfish) used to intimidate in coordinated hunting and thermoregulation. Lives in schools or solitary from 0 to 200 m in open water of tropical and warm-temperate Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, West Africa, Brazil). Spectacular coordinated hunts on sardine baitballs (Isla Mujeres Mexico). Mythical wide-angle photo subject. Sport fishery.
Photo of Atlantic sailfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Atlantic sailfish?
- Atlantic sailfish (Istiophorus albicans) reaches 150–315 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Atlantic sailfish?
- Atlantic sailfish is found between 0–200 m deep.
- Is the Atlantic sailfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Atlantic sailfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Atlantic sailfish?
- Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Istiophorus
Other species in the family Istiophoridae
- Tetrapturus albidus - White marlin
- Makaira nigricans - Atlantic blue marlin
- Kajikia audax - Striped Marlin
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126949)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5211975)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia