The fastest swimming fish on earth are the sailfish, reaching speeds of up to 110 km/h (68 mph), which is the highest speed reliably reported in a fish. Sailfish are two species of fishes in the genus Istiophorus, living in warmer sections of all the oceans of the world, including the seas of India. They are blue to gray in color and have a characteristic sail (dorsal fin) which often stretches the entire length of the back. Another notable characteristic is the elongated bill, resembling that of the swordfish and marlins.
The two species are:
* Atlantic sailfish (Istiophorus albicans).
* Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus).
Both species of sailfishes feed on the surface or at mid-depths on smaller pelagic fishes and squid. Generally, sailfish grow to a size of more than 3 m (10 ft) in length and rarely weigh over 90 kg (200 lb).
The sail is normally kept folded down and to the side when swimming, but it may be raised when the sailfish feels threatened or excited, making the fish appear much larger than it actually is. This tactic has also been observed during feeding, when a group of sailfish use their sails to "herd" a school of fish or squid.
Sailfish are highly prized game fish and are known for their incredible jumps.
The Indo-Pacific sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus, is a sailfish native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally, silvery white underbelly; upper jaw elongated in form of spear; first dorsal fin greatly enlarged in the form of a sail, with many black spots, its front squared off, highest at its midpoint; pelvic fins very narrow, reaching almost to the anus; body covered with embedded scales, blunt at end; lateral line curved above pectoral fin, then straight to base of tail.they have a large and sharp bill, that they use for hunting. They feed on tuna and mackerel, some of the fastest fish in the Ocean. They are able to prey on the faster fish in the sea because of their faster speed.
The two species are:
* Atlantic sailfish (Istiophorus albicans).
* Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus).
Both species of sailfishes feed on the surface or at mid-depths on smaller pelagic fishes and squid. Generally, sailfish grow to a size of more than 3 m (10 ft) in length and rarely weigh over 90 kg (200 lb).
The sail is normally kept folded down and to the side when swimming, but it may be raised when the sailfish feels threatened or excited, making the fish appear much larger than it actually is. This tactic has also been observed during feeding, when a group of sailfish use their sails to "herd" a school of fish or squid.
Sailfish are highly prized game fish and are known for their incredible jumps.
The Indo-Pacific sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus, is a sailfish native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally, silvery white underbelly; upper jaw elongated in form of spear; first dorsal fin greatly enlarged in the form of a sail, with many black spots, its front squared off, highest at its midpoint; pelvic fins very narrow, reaching almost to the anus; body covered with embedded scales, blunt at end; lateral line curved above pectoral fin, then straight to base of tail.they have a large and sharp bill, that they use for hunting. They feed on tuna and mackerel, some of the fastest fish in the Ocean. They are able to prey on the faster fish in the sea because of their faster speed.
