Indo-Pacific sailfish facts for kids

The Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) is an amazing fish known for its incredible speed and a tall, sail-like fin on its back. It lives in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. This fish is also found in the Atlantic Ocean, especially after swimming through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea.

Quick facts for kids Indo-Pacific sailfish
Scientific classification
Synonyms
Xiphias platypterus Shaw, 1792 Scomber gladius Bloch, 1793 Histiophorus gladius (Bloch, 1793) Istiophorus gladius (Bloch, 1793) Xiphias velifer Bloch & Schneider, 1801 Istiophorus gladifer Lacepède, 1801 Histiophorus immaculatus Rüppell, 1830 Istiophorus immaculatus (Rüppell, 1830) Histiophorus indicus Cuvier, 1832 Histiophorus orientalis Temminck & Schlegel, 1844 Istiophorus orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844) Istiophorus triactis Klunzinger, 1871 Istiophorus dubius Bleeker, 1872 Istiophorus japonicus Jordan & Thompson, 1914 Istiophorus eriquius Jordan & Ball, 1926 Istiophorus greyi Jordan & Evermann, 1926 Istiophorus brookei Fowler, 1933 Istiophorus ludibundus Whitley, 1933 Istiophorus amarui Curtiss, 1944

What Does a Sailfish Look Like?

A sailfish raising its impressive dorsal fin.

This sailfish has a dark blue back and a silvery-white belly. Its sides are a brownish-blue color. One of its most striking features is its long, spear-shaped upper jaw. It uses this "bill" for hunting its prey.

The first dorsal fin is very large and shaped like a sail. It has many black spots and is highest in the middle. The pelvic fins are very thin and reach almost to its rear opening. Its body is covered with small, embedded scales. The lateral line (a sensory organ) curves above the pectoral fin and then goes straight to the tail.

How the Sail Helps the Sailfish

Scientists believe the sail-like fin on the sailfish's back helps it control its body temperature. This "sail" has many blood vessels. When the sailfish is near the surface, it might raise its sail. This behavior could help it cool down after swimming very fast or warm up before a burst of speed.

Where Sailfish Live

Sailfish are common in the tropical and subtropical parts of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They can also be found in cooler, temperate waters. They are known for being one of the fastest fish in the ocean.

What Do Sailfish Eat?

Sailfish are skilled hunters. They use their large, sharp bill to catch their food. They mostly eat fast-swimming fish like tuna and mackerel. They are very good at catching these speedy meals.

Sailfish and Fishing

How many Indo-Pacific sailfish were caught from 1950 to 2009 (in tonnes).

Even though some people try to catch sailfish on purpose, they are often caught by accident. This happens when fishermen are using longlines to catch tuna. Sailfish are not as valuable as marlin to commercial fishermen. Because of this, they are usually released back into the ocean if they are caught.

However, many people who fish for fun consider sailfish to be a very exciting game fish. They are known for putting up a strong fight when hooked.