Indo-Pacific Sailfish
Istiophorus platypterus · is-tee-OH-for-us plat-ip-TER-us
diurnalschoolsLeast Concern
EdibleUnfriendlyDangerous
Superpower
One of the fastest fish in the sea, clocked in bursts that rival a sprinting cheetah.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 250 cm, up to 348 cm
- Lifespan
- 7–15 years
- Depth
- 0–200 m
Habitat
Open ocean near the surface.
Diet
Schooling fish and squid, herded with its raised sail.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 5/10.
How to cook: Eaten smoked or grilled, but valued far more as a sport fish.
Safety
- Dangerous2/10
Its bill can injure, but it poses no real danger to people.
Fun facts
- It raises its huge sail-like fin to herd and panic schools of bait fish.
- Sailfish are among the fastest swimmers in the ocean.
- They can rapidly change colour to signal excitement while hunting.