Indo-Pacific Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Istiophorus platypterus
- Common name
- Indo-Pacific Sailfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Istiophoridae
- Genus
- Istiophorus
- Size
- 160–200 cm
- Depth
- 0–350 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- pelagic, fast-swimmer, migratory
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Spectacular fish (160-200 cm) blue-black with enormous retractable dorsal sail. Pelagic (0-350 m) tropical-subtropical. Ultrafast oceanic migrant. Conservation: least concern. Diving: spectacular pelagic hunting, important fishery.
Photo of Indo-Pacific Sailfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Indo-Pacific Sailfish?
- Indo-Pacific Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) reaches 160–200 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Indo-Pacific Sailfish?
- Indo-Pacific Sailfish is found between 0–350 m deep.
- Is the Indo-Pacific Sailfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Indo-Pacific Sailfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Indo-Pacific Sailfish?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, 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 158812)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5211984)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia