COMMON MARINE FISHES 



65 



BROADBILL SWORDFISH 

 Xiphias gladius 



Relationship: The sole member of the true swordfish family, Xiphiidae. 



Distinguishing Characters: The greatly prolonged upper jaw, the sword flat- 

 tened and sharp-edged rather than rounded as it is in the marlins ; the high, short first 

 dorsal fin ; the absence of ventral fins ; the single wide keel on each side at the base of 

 the tail. Size: Reported to reach 15 feet in length and a weight of over 1,000 pounds. 

 California specimens usually run from 300 to 500 pounds. Color: Generally dusky, 

 purplish to almost black above becoming paler on the sides and below. 



Distribution: Warm and temperate seas throughout the world. On our coast, not 

 reported from north of Pt. Conception until 1947 when specimens were taken off 

 Central California and Oregon. 



Fishing Season: TJusually from May to December, with maximum landings 

 between August and October. Part of the catch is made in Mexican waters. 



Importance: Relatively minor in terms of poundage though it is considered a fine 

 food fish. Of far less importance as a game fish than is the striped marlin. 



Fishing Gear: Harpoons, hook and line. No other gear is legal. 



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