ANIMAL SPECIES:Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus (Shaw & Nodder, 1792)
Most sources believe that the fastest species of fish is the Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus. It has been clocked in excess of 110 km/h (68 mph) over short periods.
Identification
A fairly compressed body with a long bill and jaws with file-like teeth. It is dark blue above, brownish laterally and silvery below. There are about twenty bars on sides of the body that are made up of bright blue spots.
Size range
The Indo-Pacific Sailfish grows to over 3.4 m in total length and 100 kg in weight.Distribution
The species is widely distributed in the tropical and temperate waters of the pacific and Indian oceans.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Indo-Pacific Sailfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The Indo-Pacific Sailfish is an epipelagic and oceanic species and shows a strong tendency to approach continental coasts, islands and reefs.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
The Indo-Pacific Sailfish is an oceanic species that feeds on schooling fishes such as sardines, anchovies and mackerels. Nakamura (1985) states that the feeding behaviour of I. platypterus has been observed by fishermen as follows: "when one or several sailfish found a school of prey fishes, they began to pursue it at about half speed with their fins half-folded back into the grooves. They then drove at the prey at full speed with their fins completely folded back and once they had caught up with it, they suddenly made sharp turns with their fins fully expanded to confront a part of the school and then hit the prey with the bill. Subsequently they ate the killed and stunned fish, usually head first."
Classification
- Species:
- platypterus
- Genus:
- Istiophorus
- Family:
- Istiophoridae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
References
- Johnson, G.D. & A.C. Gill in Paxton, J.R. & W.N. Eschmeyer (Eds). 1994. Encyclopedia of Fishes. Sydney: New South Wales University Press; San Diego: Academic Press [1995]. Pp. 240.
- 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. No. 125 (5): i-iv, 1-65.
- Springer, V.G. & J.P. Gold. 1989. Sharks in Question: The Smithsonian Answer Book. Smithsonian Institution. Pp. 187
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An Indo-Pacific Sailfish caught at Lacepede Islands View full size
Barbara Harvey
© Barbara Harvey
Juvenile Indo-Pacific Sailfish View full size
C.V. Turner
© Australian Museum
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