Florida Seafood Products
Swordfish
Swordfish, along with marlin, spearfish and sailfish are referred to as billfish. This refers to the sword-like projection of the upper jaw. Swordfish were first described by Aristotle who used the Greek word xiphias meaning "sword." The Romans used the term gladius which also meant "sword." The scientific name for swordfish, Xiphias gladius, is a combination of both names.
Shaped like an oversized mackerel, the body is thickest in the shoulder area, tapering to the tail which is reinforced by a keel on each side. They vary in color from deep brown to black on the back and upper surface of the body to almost white on the side and lower body. The long upper- jaw and snout form a flat, sharp double-edged sword which may be as much as one third the total length of the fish. They are large, aggressive fish sometimes reaching 14 feet in length and a weight of 1,200 pounds.
Swordfish are found throughout the world including Florida's Gulf and Atlantic waters. They feed on a variety of fish and squid, foraging over great depths and distance. They are formidable opponents when harpooned and have been known to pierce the sides and planks of ships with their swords. In recent years, longlines have been used to catch swordfish and have been effective.
More About Swordfish
Print Resources
- DACS-P-01442 Swordfish Recipes Brochure (PDF)
- DACS-P-01414 Florida Seafood Healthy Facts Brochure (PDF)
- DACS-P-01549 Florida Seafood Buying Guide (PDF)
Multimedia
Contact Us About Seafood Products
Division of Marketing and Development
Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing
The Collins Building, Innovation Park
2051 East Dirac Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32310
Martin May
(850) 617-7280
(850) 617-7281 Fax
Martin.May@FreshFromFlorida.com
