Come identificare Swordfish

Per identificare Swordfish (Xiphias gladius), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

torpedo

Colorazione

Dorsal side is dark brown to blackish-blue, fading to a lighter brown or silvery-white on the ventral side. Fins are dark brown to black.

Tipo di squame

none

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Long, flattened, pointed bill (sword) that is nearly round in cross-section, comprising about one-third of its total body length., Absence of scales in adults (juveniles have scales)., Absence of pelvic fins in adults., A single, prominent keel on each side of the caudal peduncle in adults., Large eyes, adapted for low-light conditions.

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins; the first is tall and crescent-shaped, located far forward on the back. The second is much smaller and located near the caudal peduncle. In juveniles, the two dorsal fins are continuous, but they separate with age.

Pinna caudale

Large, deeply forked, and crescent-shaped (lunate caudal fin), indicative of a fast-swimming pelagic fish.

Pinna pettorale

Long and narrow, positioned low on the body.

Pinne distintive

No pelvic fins in adults. Anal fin is also divided into two, similar to the dorsal fin structure.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Bill (Sword)

   The most distinguishing feature is its long, flattened, sword-like bill, which is significantly longer and flatter than that of marlins or sailfish. It is nearly round in cross-section, unlike the more conical bill of marlins.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fin

   Adult swordfish have a very tall, crescent-shaped first dorsal fin and a much smaller, separate second dorsal fin. This contrasts with marlins and sailfish, which typically have a continuous or nearly continuous dorsal fin.

3. 3

   Pelvic Fins

   Adult swordfish lack pelvic fins entirely, a key differentiating characteristic from all other billfish species.

4. 4

   Scales

   Adult swordfish are scaleless, possessing only rough dermal denticles, whereas marlins and sailfish retain scales throughout their lives.

5. 5

   Caudal Keels

   Possesses a single, prominent lateral keel on each side of the caudal peduncle, unlike marlins which have two.

Esplora Swordfish