Snorkel Hawaii - Swordfish

Average Weight/Length

Swordfish reach a maximum size of 177 in. (455 cm) total length. Maximum weight of 1,400 lbs. (650 kg),

Other "Popular" Names for this Fish

Broadbill, Swordfish, Pez Espada (Spanish), Espadon (French), Schwertfisch (German), Pesce Spada (Italian), Mekajiki (Japanese)

Location Habitat

Broadbill Swordfish are named for the long, sword-like bill extending from the front portion of their body. Swordfish are found worldwide in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, in tropical, temperate, and sometimes cold waters between 40-80°F. They have been found at depths between 700-2000 feet Swordfish can be quite large, ranging from 10-600 pounds. They have 2 dorsal fins, 2 anal fins, and no pelvic fins. The fins are usually brown to dark brown in color. The rest of the body is blackish-brown on the upper side a lighter shade of brown on the belly area Swordfish, also known as broadbills in some countries, are large, highly migratory, predatory fish characterized by a long, flat bill. They are a popular sport fish of the billfish category, though elusive. Generally an oceanic species, the swordfish is primarily a midwater fish at depths of 650-1970 feet (200-600 m) and water temperatures of 64 to 71°F (18-22°C). Although mainly a warm-water species, the swordfish has the widest temperature tolerance of any billfish, and can be found in waters from 41-80°F (5-27°C). The swordfish is commonly observed in surface waters, although it is believed to swim to depths of 2,100 feet (650 m) or greater, where the water temperature may be just above freezing. One adaptation which allows for swimming in such cold water is the presence of a "brain heater," a large bundle of tissue associated with one of the eye muscles, which insulates and warms the brain. Blood is supplied to the tissue through a specialized vascular heat exchanger, similar to the counter current exchange found in some tunas. This helps prevent rapid cooling and damage to the brain as a result of extreme vertical movements.

Biology & Physical Description

The swordfish, as the only member of the family Xiphiidae, can be distinguished from other billfishes (Family Istiophoridae) by the shape of its prolonged "bill", which appears as a flattened oval in cross section. The bill is long relative to other billfishes and adults lack teeth in the jaws. While the young have scales, these are lost by the time the fish attain a body length of about 3 feet (1 m). Adults lack scales and teeth. The body is generally cylindrical. Two dorsal fins are present, although the second is quite small, separated from the first, and set far back on the body. The first dorsal fin is high and rigid. Likewise, there are two anal fins, although again the second is considerably smaller than the first. Pelvic fins are absent. Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 38-56; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 16 - 18. Blackish-brown fading to light-brown below; 1st dorsal fin with blackish-brown membrane, other fins brown or blackish-brown. A long, flat, sword-like bill and no pelvic fins.

Life Cycle & Mating Behavior

In the Atlantic Ocean, spawning occurs in the upper water layer at depths between 0 and 75 m, at temperatures around 23°C, and salinity of 33.8 to 37.4 ppt. The distribution of larval broadbill swordfish in the Pacific Ocean indicates that spawning occurs mainly in waters with a temperature of 24°C or more. Spawning appears to occur in all seasons in equatorial waters, but is restricted to spring and summer at higher latitudes. Fertilisation in broadbill swordfish is external and pairing of solitary males and females is thought to occur when spawning. Broadbill swordfish are reported to spawn in the upper layers of the water column, from the surface to a depth of 75 m. Estimates of egg numbers vary considerably, from 1 million to 16 million in 168,000 g female and 29 million in a 272,000 g female

Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)

Summary of Distribution: Atlantic, Indian and Pacific: tropical and temperate and sometimes cold waters, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Sea of Marmara, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Azov. Highly migratory species, Annex I of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea. Mt DNA restriction analysis reveal that genetic differentiation occurs between populations inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea and the tropical Atlantic ocean, indicating little genetic exchange occurring between the two.

Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

Sport Fishing Techniques

	Drifting Drift fishing allows you to fish over a variety of habitats as your boat drifts with the currents or wind movement. You can drift fish on the bottom or change the depth with a bobber or float. Natural baits work best. But jigs, lures and artificial flies will produce good results, too. You can drift fish on the ocean, as well as ponds, lakes, rivers and streams any time of the day and year..

	Still Fishing The simplest of fishing methods can also be the most effective. Still-fishing is a matter of putting your bait in the water and waiting for a fish to find it. Depending on water depth and what you’re trying to catch, you may want to still-fish near the surface, at a mid-water depth, or right down on the bottom. Using a float, or bobber, makes it easy to fish near the surface, or you can add sinkers to your line to fish deeper. Still fishing is a versatile way to go. You can do it from a pier, a bridge, an anchored boat or from shore. You can still fish on the bottom or off the bottom in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams for a variety of species. And you can still fish during most seasons and during any part of the day. You have to be very patient. You need to wait for the fish to bite. Still fishing is a versatile way to go. You can do it from a pier, a bridge, an anchored boat or from shore. You can still fish on the bottom in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams for a variety of species. .

Tackle & Baits

Trolling Light and Medium sized Big Game Lures with Skirts. They will also attack and eat Larger Lures, and of course live bait at slower trolling speeds. Swordfish are targeted by longline boats when they swim near the surface at night. Monofilament longlines baited with squid and illuminated with chemical lightsticks are set overnight. The gear is set near the surface, in contrast to tuna longline gear, which is typically much deeper.

Game Rating

Game Rating : 9/10

Game Description :

Not as wild or acrobatic as the Blue Marlin, but an equally powerful and rugged fighter that can get off some spectacular jumps on occasion.

Food Rating

Game Rating : 10/10

Game Description :

One of the very best fish to eat. The flesh of swordfish may vary from pale to pinkish, probably depending on diet prior to capture. In either case, good quality is indicated by red blood lines (i.e., blood meat) bordering the loin or fillet. Swordfish has a firm texture. When cooked, the flesh is tender, most from the oils and very mild in taste, except for the rind area just under the skin. All Swordfish turn beige in color after cooking.Swordfish can vary greatly in fat content: fish landed in Hawaii are considered to be comparable in fat content to swordfish from the middle Atlantic region of the U.S.A., where much of the domestic supply originates. Fat content is a more important determinant of swordfish quality and market value in Japan than in the U.S.A. When sword has a clean, slight pink hue and buttery moisture like this, you can refer to it as ‘Shutome’ which is the Japanese name for sashimi grade sword. Because of the mild taste and richness of oils, this fish is deal for grilling, and is therefore in high demand from restaurants and retail markets across the U.S.A., especially along the east coast. Swordfish is one of many species prepared as sashimi in Japan, and its use in raw fish dishes is increasing in Hawaii.