Fish · GBIF taxon 5211984
Sailfish
Istiophorus platypterusAlso known as Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Pacific Sailfish, Oceanic Sailfish
Sailfish cut through warm ocean currents with unmatched speed, unfurling their massive dorsal fins to corral schooling baitfish into tight spheres. Hunting in loose groups, they take turns slashing through bait balls with their sharp bills to stun prey before feeding. When excited or hunting, their silver bodies flash with vivid, shimmering hues of iridescent blue and purple.
PelagicFastest FishOceanic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mackerel
- Sardines
- Squid
Predators
- Orca
- Great White Shark
- Shortfin Mako Shark
ThreatsCommercial longline bycatch, overfishing
HabitatsPelagic open ocean, warm tropical waters
Life span4 to 15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPerciformes
- FamilyIstiophoridae
- GenusIstiophorus
- SpeciesIstiophorus platypterus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Sharp bill can cause serious injury if cornered or thrashing; observe respectfully at a safe distance.
- What to notice
- Recognized by its huge sail-like dorsal fin and long, rounded bill in warm ocean waters.
- Support conservation
- Maintain respectful distances from wild individuals and use barbless circle hooks for catch-and-release.
Responsible observation
- Pelagic Spotting: Look for flocks of seabirds diving over boiling water in offshore warm currents.
- Boating Safety: Keep distance from hooked or thrashing billfish to avoid accidental bill strikes.
- Responsible Catch: Practice quick handling and underwater revival when releasing billfish.
Oceanic Cousin (c) Sylvain Eichhorn, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Prey (c) Quinn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinn · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Michel Frisch, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michel Frisch · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Jackiemora01, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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