What You Need to Know About Sailfish November 29, 2016

Sailfish are billfish living in warmer sections of all the oceans of the world. They are predominantly blue to gray in color and have a characteristic erectile dorsal fin known as a sail, which often stretches the entire length of the back.

Another notable characteristic is the elongated bill, resembling that of the swordfish and other marlins They are therefore described as billfish in sport-fishing circles.

These sport fish are all recommended to catch and release!

The sail is normally kept folded down and to the side when swimming, but it may be raised when the sailfish feels threatened or excited, making the fish appear much larger than it actually is. This tactic has also been observed during feeding, when a group of sailfish use their sails to "herd" a school of fish or squid.

They can appear in a startling array of colours, from subdued browns and grays to vibrant purples and even silver. Their body colours are often highlighted by stripes of iridescent blue and silver dots. Sailfish can change their colors almost instantly—a change controlled by their nervous system. The sailfish can rapidly turn its body light blue with yellowish stripes when excited, confusing its prey and making capture easier, while signalling its intentions to fellow sailfish.