Perhaps, when we refer to the aquatic world, fish always come to mind. These are the most characteristic animals of this type of habitat, and they are precisely because of the varied in its forms, their colors, behaviors, etc. There is no doubt that within this group of creatures we can point out many, but perhaps the swordfish is one of the most spectacular.
Swordfish have been present in human life for many reasons, since from time immemorial it has fascinated us. However, there may be many of you who do not know great things about him, and this is the reason why we made this article. Here, you we will offer extensive information with which you can become more familiar with the incredible swordfish.
Scientifically known as Xiphias gladius, the swordfish is a marine bony fish belonging to the order Perciformes and only member of the family XiphiidaeIt is highly migratory, with a stylized silhouette and the famous flattened "beak" that gives it its name. In different regions, it is also called emperor, swordfish o palatal needle; it is sometimes confused with “mako shark”, but the latter is a shark, not a swordfish, so it's best to avoid that confusion. Its nickname "gladiator" alludes to its shape and its natural weapon.
Swordfish habitat
There are cases in which an animal the more peculiar is, the more difficult it is to find. This rule cannot be applied to swordfish.
Sword fish inhabit practically all the world's oceans. Of course, not all areas bathed by ocean waters are to your liking. They have a strong predilection for warm type waters, such as tropical and subtropical. Generally, they move in areas close to the surface, whose temperature oscillates around the 15 ° C. On the other hand, it is true that they not only exclusively frequent these territories, but there have also been occasions, and more than one, in which they have been seen in cold waters, although we insist that it is not the most common.
In oceanographic terms, its distribution covers approximately between 45° north latitude and 45° south latitude, with preference for areas where they converge Ocean currents and there is high productivity. They present a daily vertical behavior: During the day they descend into deep waters and colder and at night they ascend to surface layers to feed. Although they prefer temperatures above 15 ºC, they can venture temporarily in waters close to 5 ºC thanks to special physiological adaptations.
If we want to be more specific and name the most common habitats of the swordfish, we would get the following list: northern Peru, North Hawaii, eastern Japan and parts of Mexico y United States. To these areas of high abundance are added areas of the southeastern Pacific (including sectors of Chile) and regions of the Mediterranean coast where there are classic breeding areas.
Main characteristics of swordfish
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, swordfish, whose scientific name is Xiphias gladius, It is one of the most striking fish that has ever existed. The secret of this condition lies in its nickname.
The long, pointed mouth of this fish is its hallmark. unmistakable. This bone structure closely resembles the blade of a long sword, which is used to attack their prey y defend against predators. Unlike marlins (sailfish), the “beak” of the swordfish is more flattened how conical.
Beyond that terrifying mouth, the swordfish has a huge body. And, yes, when we say huge, we mean huge. Specimens have been found that have reached More than 4 meters y exceed 500 kg, with records close to 540 kgThis body usually presents shades dark blue or black on the back and sides, with silver bellyIt should be noted that as far as body composition is concerned, females are more corpulent than males.
Another notable peculiarity is that adults they lose teeth and scales; their skin becomes smooth and their mouth, devoid of functional teeth, compensates with the use of swordThe dorsal fin changes with growth: in juveniles it may be taller and then becomes a single lobe as it matures.
Contrary to what is sometimes thought, the swordfish is not strictly ectothermic: it has regional endothermy (a form of partial “homeothermy”). Specialized organs warm eyes and brain, allowing you to maintain up to 10–15 ºC above of the surrounding water; this significantly improves its Zóbel's vision and its predatory efficiency in cold, deep waters.
Finally, mention that they are fish with a great vision and as a general rule, lonersTheir hydrodynamic body and powerful muscles give them a speed and agility extraordinary, key to their hunting style and long-distance migrations.
Swordfish diet
Having a weapon as powerful as its sharp and pointed mouth, presages that swordfish habits are rather carnivorous. If you think that, you are correct.
They are one of the fish that best skills possesses for hunting the world. Moreover, it no longer depends solely on that weapon on which we place so much emphasis, but speed and agility in its movements it provides it with a much greater predatory potential.
Among the wide range of species that we could classify as potential prey of the swordfish are other fish such as mackerels, hake, tuna, barracudas, Flying fish and mackerels. To them we can also add some crustaceans and especially cephalopods like squid. Sometimes they "cut" schools de peces with lateral movements of the sword to stun its prey before swallowing it.
Reproduction
swordfish are animals oviparous, which means they are born from eggs. The fertilization process takes place through the external fertilization method (The females release the eggs into the water, which will later be fertilized by the male's semen), and it is noteworthy that the males reach sexual maturity earlier than the females.
Egg spawning takes place throughout the year, so the swordfish does not have a specific time to reproduce in warm areas; in more temperate or cold waters, spawning is concentrated in spring and summerThe chosen areas are usually the Caribbean seas, coasts of Florida St and the Gulf of Mexico, in addition to areas of the Mediterranean coast and Pacific regions with warm surface waters; spawning can occur above 75 m deep.
Another fact, more than curious, is that females are capable of storing nothing more and nothing less than 1 to 29 million eggs. It is true that for the size of these fish, the eggs are very small, never larger than 2 millimeters in diameter (usually between 1,6 and 1,8 mm). Males usually mature earlier (approx. between 3 and 4 years) and the females a little later (4–5 years), and no parental care has been documented after laying, as the eggs drift in the plankton.
Embryonic development is rapid and larvae emerge tiny, close to the 4 mmIn its early stages, the body is almost completely devoid of pigmentation; beak begins to form early And as they grow, the upper part becomes longer than the lower part, adopting the typical juvenile profile. The dorsal fin of juveniles can extend along a good part of the back before transforming, as they grow, into the adult structure.
Natural predators and defenses
The adult swordfish has few predators natural due to their size, speed and frontal weapon. Among the most notable are the killer whale and the shortfin mako, an extremely fast shark (mako shark) capable of confronting adults, although at risk: mako sharks have sometimes been found with embedded rostrums. The juveniles, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to large pelagic predators. The sword works as defense deterrent and as an escape tool.
Parasites and health
have been described dozens of species of parasites in swordfish, including tapeworm, nematodes (as Anisakis), myxozoans y copepodsSome larvae of Anisakis serve as biological labels to differentiate populations (e.g., between Atlantic and Mediterranean). Occasionally, they may adhere remoras y lampreys, and cookie cutter sharks leave circular marks on the skin.
Fishing importance and capture methods
The swordfish is a species of great commercial interest and also a goal of the deportive fishingHistorically it was captured with harpoon In some regions, a technique that is still traditional in certain places. Currently, the most widespread method is surface longline or of great depth, which takes advantage of its habit of staying deeper during the day. It is common to use whole baits (mackerel, herring, red mullet, bonito or squid), and even lures with light to attract them in deep waters.
In sport boats, robust equipment and sometimes weights of several kilos are required to reach sufficient depth during the day, while at night the baits are placed shallower. Although they do not usually attack people, they can be dangerous When they are wounded or harpooned, due to the power of their sword and their attacks.
Consumption, nutritional value and recommendations
As an blue Fish, the swordfish provides proteins of high biological value, healthy fats rich in omega-3 (benefits of omega-3) and minerals. As a guide, by 100 g crude oil contributes around 170 Kcal, around 8 g fatNear 23g protein, and minerals like match, potassium, Magnesium y sodium in moderate amounts. Values may vary depending on the cut, origin, and cooking method.
Su nutritional profile supports health benefits, although it is important to consider the origin y frequency of consumptionAs a large apex predator, the swordfish can accumulate mercury (methylmercury) in his flesh throughout his life. Out of prudence, children y pregnant or breastfeeding women deberían limit or avoid its consumption, and for the rest of the population it is recommended to consume it in moderation and alternate it with species of lowest trophic levelIf in doubt, it is advisable to consult with a health professional or nutritionist.
Conservation status and threats
We hope we have introduced you to a little more about swordfish, which is unfortunately in decline due in large part to the indiscriminate fishing, given that it is one of the species that enjoys a great presence in the human diet. Added to this is the competition for food with other large pelagics and the bycatch in non-directed fisheries. The measures of fisheries management, minimum sizes, dues and best practices for reduce bycatch are key to sustainability.
The swordfish is a fascinating and essential predator of pelagic ecosystems: a tireless swimmer with a unique physiology and enormous cultural and gastronomic value. Knowing its the habitat, biology y conservation requirements helps to appreciate it better and consume it with responsibility, ensuring their presence in the oceans for future generations.
