Swordfish

Xiphias gladius

Least Concern Saltwater

Max Length

455.0 cm

Max Weight

650.0 kg

Color

Dark brown to blackish-purple back …

Depth Range

0-2878m

Family

Xiphiidae

About

The swordfish is a highly migratory pelagic predator recognized by its long, flat, pointed bill. It can dive to depths exceeding 2,800 meters and possesses a specialized organ that heats its eyes and brain for improved vision in cold, deep water.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	455.0 cm
Maximum Weight	650.0 kg
Depth Range	0-2878m

Coloration

Dark brown to blackish-purple back contrasting sharply with a pale cream-white belly; sides are dull bronze-brown; large crescent-shaped tail fin is dark; skin scaleless and leathery.

Habitat & Distribution

Oceanic and neritic zones worldwide in temperate and tropical seas; surface to 650m. Highly migratory, following prey into cold, productive upwelling zones. Rarely found near shores; solitary open-ocean predator.

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

0-2878m

Geographic Range

Countries

🇮🇹 Italy

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Distribution Map

Present Not recorded countries

Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

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

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Dense, meaty flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor; moderate fat and steak-like texture. Ideal for grilling, broiling, or searing; pairs well with lemon-herb or citrus salsas.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Fight Rating

9/5

Recommended Bait

squid, mackerel, deep-drop rigs, buoy gear

Fishing Seasons

Taxonomy

Order	Istiophoriformes (Marlins and swordfish)
Family	Xiphiidae (Swordfish)
Species	Xiphias gladius

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Espadon
Spanish	Pez espada

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Swordfish?

Dense, meaty flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor; moderate fat and steak-like texture. Ideal for grilling, broiling, or searing; pairs well with lemon-herb or citrus salsas.

How big does Swordfish get?

Swordfish can grow up to 455.0 cm long and weigh 650.0 kg.

Where is Swordfish found?

Cosmopolitan in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, including the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Makes deep vertical migrations between surface feeding and depths exceeding 600 m. Oceanic and neritic zones worldwide in temperate and tropical seas; surface to 650m. Highly migratory, following prey into cold, productive upwelling zones. Rarely found near shores; solitary open-oce

Is Swordfish endangered?

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

What family does Swordfish belong to?

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) belongs to the family Xiphiidae (Swordfish) in the order Istiophoriformes (Marlins and swordfish).