Some of the marine mammals can reach extraordinary speeds underwater. Water being 750 times denser as compared to air, one might think that it is impossible to reach the speed of the earth underwater. But do not underestimate the great power of marine mammals, as they can also cross waters.  Sailfish is the fastest animal in the sea.

Sailfish is the fastest animal in the Sea
Sailfish is the fastest animal in the Sea
Credit : Paul Nicklen

Sailfish: Fastest Animal in the Sea

Sailfish are the two species of the genus Osteophora, which live in the hottest parts of the entire world’s ocean. They are usually blue to gray colored and have a distinctive dorsal fin called veil, which often extends over the entire back. Another notable feature is the elongated beak, similar to swordfish and other Marlins. Therefore, they are called as billfish in the sport hunting circles.

People were timed at speeds up to 110 km / h (68 mph), the highest speed reported reliably in fish. In general, sailfishes are no more than 3 meters long and rarely weigh more than 90 kg (200 lbs).

What is the fastest animal in the sea ?
Credit : Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau

Sailfish Habitat

The sailfish, fastest animal in the sea is found in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans with various scientific names dedicated to fishing in any ocean. However, scientists now think that these fish actually belong to the same species and that the only difference is the ocean in which they live and their size. Based on the fishing rates and water temperature, it was determined that the sailfish preferred to live in warm waters, although they were captured in the far north in Atlantic, as in Cape Cod.

Sailfish can change the color almost instantly. The nervous system is responsible for the change of color. The sailfish can navigate quickly in its light blue body with yellow lines when excited, making its prey confuse and easy to pick up, indicating their intentions to the fellow sailfishes. It is not an endangered species. This is probably due to the fact that their meat is not widely consumed, so commercial fishermen catch it less. Their flesh is often used for sushi and sashimi in Japan.

Sailfish - The fastest animal in the Sea
Credit : Doug Perrine

Food of the Sailfish

Sailfish feed on a wide variety of prey throughout their lives. At an early age, they eat small zooplankton and their prey grows as they do. In adulthood, they consume very large crustaceans, squid and bonefish. Sailfishes use dorsal fins and work together to create a barrier around their prey, to feed on small fish, such as anchovies and sardines. Bony fishes and Cephalopods are the main prey of Atlantic sailfish. Tunas, halfbeaks, needlefish, jacks, and mackerels are the commonly preyed fishes. These prey specify that some food is on the surface, as well as in mid-water, along the edges of the lower substrate or the reef edges. Fish consumed by sailfish includes jacks, sardines, dolphin, anchovies, triggerfish and ribbonfish.

Bony fishes and Cephalopods are the main prey of Atlantic sailfish. Tunas, halfbeaks, needlefish, jacks, and mackerels are the commonly preyed fishes. These prey specify that some food is on the surface, as well as in mid-water, along the edges of the lower substrate or the reef edges. Fish consumed by sailfish includes jacks, sardines, dolphin, anchovies, triggerfish and ribbonfish.

Sailfish are also consumed by a wide variety of predators. When the sailfishes are hatched, other species of fish specialized in eating plankton benefit from the sailfish. Predators grow as they grow, and adult sailfish are eaten only by large predators such as dolphin fish, shark species and orcas.

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