Swordfish: Xiphias gladius

Appearance:

A rather unique billfish, with a flattened bill formed from an elongated upper jaw. It has a single high dorsal fin and one keel on each side in front of the tail fin.

Habitat:

Deep sea fish found from the surface down below 2,000 feet. They are heavily overfished internationally.

Behavior:

Swordfish over 200 pounds are generally females and tend to migrate to the surface at night, when most drift fishing occurs.

State Record:

612 lb 12 oz, caught near Key Largo

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Fishing at night for swordfish often involves the use of chemical or other lights and heavy 8/0 to 11/0 hooks drifted with balloons to help detect the strike.

Additional Information:

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles