Swordfish
ExploreFish
Swordfish
Xiphias gladius
The swordfish is a magnificent fish known for its long, sword-like bill. It's one of the fastest swimmers in the ocean and can leap out of the water in a spectacular display.
Habitat: Marine
Appearance
The Swordfish has a long, flattened, pointed bill resembling a sword. Its body is dark brown to black on top, fading to a lighter belly, and it lacks scales as an adult. They have large eyes for seeing in deep water.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderPerciformesFamilyXiphiidaeGenusXiphias
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Adult swordfish are almost completely scaleless, making their skin super smooth!
Female swordfish can lay millions of eggs at a time in warm ocean waters!
Swordfish are famous for leaping high out of the water!
They can grow longer than a small car, reaching up to 4.5 meters!
Special abilities
Ability
Lightning Strike Bill
Swordfish can slash and stun prey with their sharp, bony bill, which helps them hunt fast-moving fish and squid.
Ability
Deep-Dive Heater
Swordfish have special organs that warm their brain and eyes, helping them see and think clearly in cold, deep waters.
Ability
Hydrodynamic Speed
Swordfish possess a sleek, torpedo-shaped body that lets them cut through water incredibly fast, helping them escape predators and catch prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 150-450 cm
- Weight
- 50-600 kg
- Lifespan
- 9-15 years
- Swim Speed
- 97 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 2800 m
- Water Type
- Saltwater
Diet & Feeding
Swordfish are skilled hunters, feasting on various fish and squid in the open ocean.
Primary Foods
- Squid
- Mackerel
- Hake
- Herring
- Dolphinfish
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
Shortfin Mako Shark
Isurus oxyrinchus
Top predator in their ecosystem.
eaten by
Orca
Orcinus orca
Apex marine mammal predator.
hunts
Common Squid
Loligo vulgaris
A common and important food source.
hunts
Atlantic Mackerel
Scomber scombrus
Fast-swimming fish, often prey.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Thermoregulating
Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment.
Tool Use
This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
BillfishBroadbill
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Admire swordfish from a safe distance, as their sharp bills can be dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Swordfish?
150-450 cm
How much does Swordfish weigh?
50-600 kg
How long does Swordfish live?
9-15 years
What does Swordfish eat?
Swordfish are skilled hunters, feasting on various fish and squid in the open ocean.
How fast can Swordfish swim?
97 km/h
Where is Swordfish usually found?
Marine
How does Swordfish hunt?
Pursuit
How deep can Swordfish go?
2800 m
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
