Sailfish vs swordfish ranks highly on the list of fish species that get confused for each other. This is because they are both prized game species with many similarities. Sailfish and swordfish belong to the billfish family and are considered apex predators due to their hunting prowess.
Both fish are also large fish that are good for eating. Despite these similarities, sailfish and swordfish are quite different as they do not even belong to the same family.
In this article, we will discuss sailfish vs. swordfish to highlight the key differences between both species.
Sailfish vs Swordfish: What’s the Difference?
Sailfish and swordfish are two of the sought-after fish in the world. They are both fast and big and can be found in different areas of the world. Also known as broadbills, the scientific name for swordfish is Xiphias gladius.
Regarded as the fastest fish in the ocean, the scientific name for sailfish is Istiophorus platypterus. Sailfish and swordfish feed on squid, flying fish, and smaller fish. In this section, we will examine the key difference between sailfish and swordfish.
Appearance
The main difference between swordfish and sailfish can be found in their appearance. This makes it a major talking point in sailfish vs swordfish.
While they are both large in size, there are certain dissimilarities in the body structures of swordfish and sailfish. The difference in their appearance can be broken down to shape and size, fins, and unique features.
Swordfish usually have a round body, while sailfish are laterally compressed, meaning they have a flattened body shape. Swordfish are typically bigger than sailfish, both in body length and weight. While the average sailfish grows to around 120 inches in length, swordfish are usually closer to 140 inches in length.
In terms of weight, there is a big gap between swordfish and sailfish. For most anglers, the common sailfish that they come across weigh between 40 to 60 pounds. However, there are sailfish species such as the Atlantic sailfish and Indo-Pacific sailfish that weigh between 120 to 200 pounds.
On the other hand, the average swordfish typically weigh about 220 pounds, with the pacific swordfish weighing over 1400 pounds.
If you come across a juvenile swordfish or sailfish, it might be hard to tell them apart from their size. This is because the difference in size is barely noticeable at this point. It is, therefore, best to look at their dorsal fins to tell them apart in such a case.
Swordfish has a slim dorsal fin that is shaped like a crescent located near their head with a smaller one near their tail stem.
On the other hand, sailfish have a long dorsal fin that stretches almost the entire length of their body. The second dorsal fin of a sailfish is much smaller. The dorsal fins of a swordfish never change shape, while the dorsal fin of a sailfish can be extended.
When extended, the dorsal fin of a sailfish becomes wider than its body, resembling a sail. If you have not guessed it yet, this is why they are called sailfish.
In addition to their dorsal fins, sailfish have pelvic fins that are shaped like rods. Unlike sailfish, swordfish lack a pelvic fin. Instead, they have a keel on their tail stem.
As swordfish grow older, they lose their teeth and scales. As such, adult swordfish do not have scales or teeth but rather have uniform skin. Unlike swordfish, sailfish have teeth and scales. Swordfish have a flat bill, while sailfish have a round and pointed bill.
Habitat
Swordfish and sailfish can be found in temperate oceans like the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean.
In terms of availability, swordfish and sailfish are fairly widespread species. The two fish are pelagic fish that swim throughout the water column but stay away from the bottom of the sea. Swordfish can cope with a wider range of temperatures compared to sailfish. Sailfish typically stay in waters with temperatures between 70°F and 83°F. Swordfish are known to swim in waters temperatures ranging from 41°F to 81°F.
The reason why swordfish can cope in extremely cold waters is because of an organ near their eyes that heats up their brain and eyes to withstand the cold temperature.
Sailfish can be found in the temperate waters of Panama, Florida, Costa Rica, and Africa, while swordfish can be found in the warm waters of Venezuela, Australia, Mexico, and California.
Group
In terms of their social behavior, swordfish can be described as solitary as they usually swim alone. At times when they swim together, they swim in loose groups with a wide distance between them.
Sailfish move in schools, especially whenever they are hunting. One common method that sailfish use when hunting is herding, using their sail to herd the fish or squid towards the group before catching them.
Coloration and Chromatophores
Coloration is another important element when comparing sailfish vs swordfish.
Swordfish are usually black, brown, or gray with a yellow or gray underbelly, while sailfish are dark blue with a silver underbelly. Vertical rows of golden spots can be seen on the sides of adult sailfish. Sailfish have chromatophores, allowing them to change their colors for hunting and breeding purposes.
Taste
Swordfish and sailfish are most popular as prized games for recreational anglers, but they are still caught for their meat. Swordfish meat is soft and has a high-fat content. Sailfish do not have a consistent flavor, as some are mild while others have a strong fishy taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we will provide accurate answers to some of the frequently asked questions about sailfish vs swordfish.
No, swordfish and marlin are not the same fish. They are both billfish and are closely related but do not belong to the same family. Swordfish is the only species in the Xiphiidae family, while marlin is a member of the Istiophoridae family.
Sailfish is a billfish that belongs to the Istiophoridae family, making them closely related to marlin.
No, swordfish are not the fastest fish. Sailfish are regarded by many scientists as the fastest fish in the ocean.
Yes, sailfish are edible fish that can be used in a lot of recipes. Sailfish can be baked or fried and is great for making kebabs, grilled steaks, and stir-fries.
Sailfish and black marlin are two fish species that are faster than swordfish.
A sailfish is faster than a swordfish. As a matter of fact, sailfish are commonly regarded as the fastest fish in the ocean, with a speed of 110 kilometers per hour.
Sailfish, swordfish, and marlin are all predatory fish that come with bills. However, they have differences in certain areas, which include their size, shape, dorsal fins as well as lifespan.
Conclusion
Sailfish and swordfish are two of the best billfish for any angler to catch. It is, however, important to be able to identify them in order to handle your catch properly.
Swordfish tend to be bigger while sailfish are faster, with their shape and dorsal fin also distinguishing them. It is best to fish on the open ocean, as you need a permit for federal waters.
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