Photo: NaluPhoto via Getty Images
Do you love speed? Do you love fish?
If you do, then you'll love sailfish! These fish are the fastest of all and can reach speeds of up to 68 miles per hour (110km/h).
Though it might not be as popular as the marlin or even a swordfish, the sailfish as an equally impressive billfish, and in today's GB blog we'll dig deeper into what makes them so incredible!
Ready? Buckle up!
Description and Appearance
Photo: FtLaudGirl via Getty Images
The sailfish is a member of the billfish family and can be found in tropical and temperate waters all over the world.
They are blue to dark gray in color and have a long, sail-like dorsal fin that runs almost the entire length of their body. This fin can be erect or laid down, depending on the mood of the fish.
Their 'sail' is used to help them swim faster and also makes them more hydrodynamic. They have a long, pointy bill that they can use to stun their prey before eating them.
Sailfish can grow to be up to 11 feet (three meters) long and weigh up to 220 pounds (100 kilograms).
Though they are not the biggest fish in the sea, they more than make up for it in speed and agility!
Diet
Sailfish are pelagic predators whose diet consists mostly of smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans.
They are known to be opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever they can find.
Sailfish have been known to eat over their own weight in a day, so they are definitely not picky eaters!
Reproduction
Sailfish will reach sexual maturity at around three years old.
Mating usually takes place in warm, shallow waters during the summer months.
The female will release her eggs into the water and the male will fertilize them.
The eggs will hatch after about two days and the larvae will drift in the ocean currents for about a month before settling on the ocean floor.
These sailfish can then go on and live up to 12 years in the wild.
But in your room? Probably forever. Gage Beasley's Sailfish Soft Stuffed Plush Toy might not be the fastest one in the sea, but it sure will make you the fastest sleeper in the world. With it being cuddly and with no scales, you might dream of the swimming in the sea every night.
Gage Beasley's Sailfish Soft Stuffed Plush Toy
Distribution & Habitat
As touched on, sailfish can be found in tropical and temperate waters all over the world.
They are most commonly found in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. They prefer warm, shallow waters but can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures.
Sailfish are often found near the surface of the water but have been known to dive down to depths of up to 600 feet (183 meters).
Conservation
Photo: Giorgio Cavallaro via Getty Images
Sailfish are not currently considered to be threatened or endangered, but like many pelagic species, they're still vulnerable to overfishing.
The good news is that sailfish are quite resilient and can reproduce quickly, so with proper management they should be around for generations to come!
Other Interesting Facts
- Did you know that sailfish are not only the fastest fish in the sea, but they are also one of the most acrobatic?
- These fish are known for their leaps out of the water and have been known to jump as high as 20 feet (six meters) in the air!
- Not only do they put on a good show for us humans, but they also use these leaps to help them escape from predators and to catch their prey.
Final Thoughts
The sailfish is definitely one of the most interesting fish in the sea.
Their long bills, impressive sails, and ridiculous speeds make them a sight to behold!
If you ever have the chance to see one in person, be sure to take it; you won't regret it!
Do you have any questions about sailfish? Let us know in the comments below and we'll be sure to answer them! Until next time, happy fish watching!
Cheers!
~GB
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