Sailfish

IUCN

Scientific Name：Istiophorus platypterus

Basic Information

Scientific classification

name：Sailfish
Scientific Name：Istiophorus platypterus
Outline：Large Fish
Family：Istiophoridae Istiophorus

Vital signs

length：Common 1.7–2.5 m TL; max ~3.2–3.4 m (incl. bill)
Weight：Typically 30–60 kg; up to 80–100+ kg
lifetime：c. 10–15 years

Feature

Fast, highly migratory; tall spotted sail and long bill; batch‑spawning oviparous; strong association with warm fronts and bait balls.

Distribution and Habitat

Tropical–subtropical epipelagic waters of all oceans; shelf edges, fronts, eddies and reef drop‑offs.

Appearance

Bluish‑grey with vivid blue bars; exceptionally tall first dorsal (“sail”) with black spots; long rostrum; appressable pectorals.

Details

The sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) is a fast, highly migratory oceanic predator in the familyIstiophoridae. Its iconic sail‑like first dorsal fin and elongated rostrum aid in herding prey and reducing drag. Sailfish hunt schooling fishes and cephalopods in the epipelagic zone and often form cooperative feeding groups.

Ecology & Life History

Associated with warm‑water fronts, eddies, seamounts and reef drop‑offs. Possesses regional endothermy (red‑muscle heat retention) that supportshigh burst speeds. Oviparous with batch spawning in warm seas; eggs/larvae are pelagic.

Identification

Streamlined body and long bill; an exceptionally tall, spotted sail that can be raised/flattened (often vivid purplish‑blue when excited); irregular blue vertical bars on the flanks; long pectorals that can be appressed to the body.

Size & Longevity

Length: commonly 1.7–2.5 m TL (incl. bill); max ~3.2–3.4 m.
Weight: typically 30–60 kg; large fish to 80–100+ kg.
Life: about 10–15 years (regional variation).

Range & Habitat

Worldwide in tropical–subtropical oceans (Atlantic, Indian, Pacific), usually 0–50 m but vertically mobile with prey; seasonal movements track warm currents and baitfish aggregations.

Threats & Conservation

Fishing pressure from longline/troll and recreational fisheries; bycatch and deep hooking.
Climate variability shifting spawning and prey fields; debris and line entanglement.

IUCN global status: Least Concern (LC). Recommended practices: circle/offset‑circle hooks, minimal air exposure, quick in‑water release, size/seasonal limits and conventional/satellite tagging programs.

FAQ

Q1. Sailfish vs. marlins? All billfishes in Istiophoridae; sailfish have a very tall, densely spotted dorsal “sail,” slimmer bodies and vivid flank bars.

Q2. Fastest fish? Among the fastest—verified bursts are very high, though absolute records vary by method.

Q3. Edibility & use? Important commercially and recreationally; many regions promote catch‑and‑release and quotas for sustainability.

Q4. Nearshore presence? Often near reef drop‑offs and shelf edges, approaching coasts when bait is concentrated.