THE SHORE FISHES OF PERU 379 



XIPHIAS GLADIUS Linnaeus 



Albacora 



Xiphias gladius Linnaeus, 1758, p. 248, "Oceano Europae" (original diagnosis). — 

 Jordan and Evermann, 1926, p. 71, pi. 20 (distribution; size attained; 

 synonymy).- — ^Walford, 1937, p. 33, pi. 40 in color (diagnostic characters; 

 size attained; distribution; seasonal abundance; food; habits; parasites; 

 spawning; enemies; aggressiveness; food and medicinal value; angling 

 notes).- — ^GuDGER, 1940, pp. 215-315, figs. 1-22, pis. 3-9 (behavior; struc- 

 ture; bibliography). 



Head with snout about 2.0 in length to base of caudal; depth about 

 5.5 to 6.5; D. about 39 or 40-4; A. about 18-4. 



Color dusky, varying from metallic purplish, lead color, to almost 

 black. 



The swordfish is readily recognized by the greatly produced, flat, 

 sharp-edged snout or "sword"; the absence of ventral fins ; absence of 

 scales; absence of teeth; well separated dorsal fins (in adults), and 

 the single strong lateral keel on caudal peduncle. The young differ 

 greatly from the adults, having rudimentary scales; single or con- 

 tinuous dorsal, and anal fins; both jaws produced; and teeth present. 



No specimens were secured by the Mission. It is stated in the 

 report (1943, p. 248), however, that "a number" of swordfish was 

 seen but that elTorts made to catch examples failed. It is stated, 

 furthermore, that anglers in increasingly larger numbers are going to 

 Peru to fish for this species and the marlin. The fish are reported 

 as occurring chiefly on the edge of those areas where "hot" and cold 

 water merge. The fish is said to enter the commercial fishery only 

 "to a limited extent at Mollendo and Ilo, and although not reported 

 in the statistics for Talara and Cabo Blanco, they are known to be 

 taken at these places also." The largest catches were made in April 

 and September. 



The swordfish feeds on schools of fishes, probably without much 

 choice. Among the fishes eaten, anchovies, sardines, herring, mack- 

 erel, barracuda, and flyingfishes have been named. It is reported 

 to feed extensively on squids also. 



The swordfish is pelagic and ranges far and wide. Its spawning 

 habits remain virtually unknown. Small examples are rarely taken. 

 A very large size is attained. There is a record of one taken off 

 New England that weighed 915 pounds dressed, estimated total 

 weight 1,000 pounds. This fish was 15 feet long. Many accounts 

 of the pugnacity of swordfish have been published. That it some- 

 times rams dories is an established fact, but that it does it deliberately 

 and for a definite purpose has not been fully proved. E. W. Gudger 

 (1940) has brought together in one paper all the evidence, partly 

 published and some not previously published, concerning the pug- 

 nacity of the swordfish. The reader is referred to this paper for full 

 particulars. 



