Family: Xiphiidae, Swordfishes view all from this family

Description To 15' (4.6 m); 1,182 lbs (536.2 kg). Elongate, fusiform, compressed, greatest depth near first dorsal fin; dark gray or black above; gray, sometimes yellowish, below. Snout very elongate, forming flattened beak or sword; no teeth in jaws. Pectoral fin length about equal to first dorsal fin height. no pelvic fins; first dorsal fin large, widely separated from second. Single keel on caudal peduncle. Caudal fin lunate, lobes very long. Adults lack scales.

Habitat Surface near shore and in open seas to depths of at least 33 fathoms.

Range In Atlantic from Newfoundland south to Argentina. In Pacific from Oregon south to Chile.

Discussion Swordfishes feed on crustaceans, squids, anchovies, hakes, mackerels, rockfishes, and other fishes. Although the Swordfish is highly prized as a game fish, few are taken by anglers because of the great expense involved in their pursuit. The annual commercial catch off southern California has grown to over 500 tons (453,590 kg). Most of the catch is now taken with gill nets, and a smaller portion with harpoons.