Atlantic Sailfish

Istiophorus platypterus

Least Concern Saltwater

Max Length

340.0 cm

Max Weight

100.0 kg

Color

Dark cobalt-blue back and upper …

Depth Range

0-200m

Family

Istiophoridae

About

The sailfish is the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds up to 110 km/h. Its enormous dorsal fin, or 'sail,' can be raised to herd baitfish. When hooked, it performs spectacular tail-walking displays across the water surface.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	340.0 cm
Maximum Weight	100.0 kg
Depth Range	0-200m

Coloration

Dark cobalt-blue back and upper flanks with silver-white belly; iconic tall sail-like dorsal fin is cobalt-blue adorned with small round black spots; flanks show faint pale iridescent vertical bars when excited.

Habitat & Distribution

Neritic, pelagic, coral reefs

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

0-200m

Geographic Range

Tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean including the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the West African coast; closely related forms occur throughout the Indo-Pacific. Prefers warm surface waters near thermocline boundaries.

{# Distribution Map — SVG world map highlighting countries where the fish is found. Expects: distribution_country_codes (JSON array of ISO alpha-2 codes) #}

Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

Atlantic Sailfish is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Firm, mildly flavored flesh similar to marlin; primarily a catch-and-release sport fish. Edible when smoked or grilled but rarely targeted for food; sport anglers typically release it.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Fight Rating

9/5

Recommended Bait

ballyhoo, strip baits, flies, live bait

Taxonomy

Order	Istiophoriformes (Marlins and swordfish)
Family	Istiophoridae (Marlins and sailfish)
Species	Istiophorus platypterus

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Voilier indo-pacifique
Spanish	Pez vela del Indo-Pacífico

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Atlantic Sailfish?

Firm, mildly flavored flesh similar to marlin; primarily a catch-and-release sport fish. Edible when smoked or grilled but rarely targeted for food; sport anglers typically release it.

How big does Atlantic Sailfish get?

Atlantic Sailfish can grow up to 340.0 cm long and weigh 100.0 kg.

Where is Atlantic Sailfish found?

Is Atlantic Sailfish endangered?

The conservation status of Atlantic Sailfish is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Atlantic Sailfish belong to?

Atlantic Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) belongs to the family Istiophoridae (Marlins and sailfish) in the order Istiophoriformes (Marlins and swordfish).