Istiophorus platypterus

Species: Istiophorus platypterus

English Name: Indo-Pacific Sailfish

Chinese Name: 平鰭旗魚, 東方旗魚

Family: Istiophoridae

Description:

The body of the Indo-Pacific Sailfish is elongated and compressed; the upper jaw is prolonged into a very long beak; two dorsal fins; pelvic fins are narrow but very long, with 1 spine and 2 rays. The back of this billfish is dark with about 20 bluish vertical bars and has a pale silver belly. Can grow up to a length of 348 cm. Lives above the thermocline and in waters close to the coasts and islands. Preys on fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. Used for human consumption.

Photos used under a Creative Commons license

References:

– Nakamura, I., 1985. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 5. Billfishes of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of marlins, sailfishes, spearfishes and swordfishes known to date. FAO Fish. Synop. 125(5):65p. Rome: FAO.

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