Table Of Contents

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Page 3...Introduction

Page 4...Habitat

Page 5...Food & Diet

Page 6...Physical Features

Page 8...Diagram

Page 9...Life Cycle

Page 10...Fun Facts

Page 12...Extra Photos

Page 14...Sources

Page 15...Glossary

Page 17...About The author

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Did you know that swordfish use their bill to slash rather than stab? You're in for a treat because this passage is dedicated to the unique member of the Xiphiidae family: the swordfish!

Introduction

Here is the astonishing swordfish!

Habitat

Swordfish are found in the tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, within latitudes of 60 degrees north and 45 degrees south. They migrate towards cooler waters in the summer and return to warmer waters during the winter.

Food & Diet

Swordfish have a huge diet, consuming an array of seafood including jumbo and market squid, octopus, cuttlefish, hake, northern anchovy, bluefish, mackerel, herring, oceanic puffer, and various shellfish. That's quite the extensive feast!

Swordfish may occasionally impale small fish with their "sword" by accident.

Swordfish are so named for their long, flattened bills that resemble swords. They possess a broad, crescent-shaped tail. Typically, their coloration is darkest on top, usually black or brown, and gradually lightens towards the underside. Additionally, they feature a stout, rounded body and prominent eyes.

Physical Features

Swordfish are incredibly swift, aided by their "sword" which slices through water, yet they must overcome friction due to their less pointy head. However, they combat this friction with an oil-producing gland on their head, which lubricates their skin and minimizes drag. Quite slick, indeed!

Diagram

Life Cycle

Swordfish primarily spawn during the Spring and Summer and have a lifespan of up to 15 years, although they usually live between 9 to 11 years. The young measure about 0.16 inches at hatching. It is pretty noticeable that their jaw starts to elongate a ton when they reach about 0.5 inches in length, although this feature does not begin to develop until they are roughly 0.25 inches long.

Fun Facts

Here are some interesting facts about swordfish:

    Swordfish possess a organ near their eyes that heats their brain and eyes, enabling them to pursue their prey in cold waters.

    Swordfish are the swiftest swimmers in the ocean, outpaced only by marlin and sailfish.