Istiophorus

The sailfish (Istiophorus) is a genus of perciform fish of the family Istiophoridae that inhabit the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. Due to its sail-shaped dorsal fin, its 3 meters in length and its weight of more than 100 kilos, it is said that they are one of the most elegant specimens in the sea.^{[citation required]< /sup>}

Description and habits

Over short distances, the metallic blue sailfish is the second fastest fish in the sea (first is the Mako Shark which can swim at 124 km/h). It can reach up to 119 km/h according to studies carried out thanks to its hydrodynamic and muscular body. It has a rigid tail in the shape of a "C", ideal for speed; and its tall dorsal fin, or 'sail', cuts through the water like a ship's propeller. The muzzle tapers to a very sharp point. It feeds on fish and squid, and releases its eggs in the high seas. At three meters long and weighing one hundred kilos, it is also one of the largest bony fish.

Sailfish reach a speed of 30 meters per second, which is about 109 kilometers per hour. In comparative terms, she crosses a distance of 50 meters in two seconds, when it would take a human being 29 seconds to cover the same distance swimming as fast as she can. It achieves this speed thanks to a very powerful caudal peduncle, it is also thought that the prolongation of its upper jaw is an aid to split the waters by favoring its hydrodynamics.

It is often confused with marlin (genus Tetrapturus) or swordfish, with which it has in common its spectacular leaps out of the water, but although it shares a family with marlins, the fish espada belongs to a unispecific family (Xiphiidae).

Species

• Pez sails from the Atlantic (Istiophorus albicans).
• Pacific candlefish (Pez)Istiophorus platypterus).

Fishing

It is considered the noblest of the fish that can be fished since it offers great resistance when trying through strong underwater races and spectacular jumps to get rid of the hook that pierces its jaw.

In 1963 prey with an average weight of 120 kg was obtained. It is now considered an excellent prey, weighing up to 40 kg, which shows that the specimens currently being fished are juveniles and that indiscriminate fishing does not allow the persecuted sailfish to reach adults. They are currently endangered and their capture is not recommended.

Sailing is usually caught with live and dead bait, as well as any type of trolling and fake squid.

Sailfish fishing