Xiphias Gladius
Family
Xiphiidae (Swordfish)
Order
Perciformes (perch-likes)
Class
Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Maximum Size
455 cm FL (male/unsexed; Ref. 40637); max. published weight: 650.0 kg
Environment
Pelagic; oceanodromous; marine ; depth range 0 - 800 m
Climate
Temperate; 5 - 27°C; 67°N - 48°S, 180°W - 180°E
Importance
fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes
Resiliance
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (rm=0.076; K=0.23; tm=5-6; tmax=9;)
Distribution
Atlantic, Indian and Pacific: tropical and temperate and sometimes cold waters, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Sea of Marmara, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Azov. Highly migratory species. DNA restriction analysis reveal that genetic differentiation occurs between populations inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea and the tropical Atlantic ocean, indicating little genetic exchange occurring between the two.
Diagnosis
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 38-56; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 16-18. Blackish-brown fading to light-brown below; 1st dorsal fin with blackish-brown membrane, other fins brown or blackish-brown. A long, flat, sword-like bill and no pelvic fins
