# Are Swordfish Dangerous?

> Are swordfish dangerous? Realistic risk, when incidents rise, and safety basics.

- **Species:** Swordfish (*Xiphias gladius*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Carnivore (fish and squid)
- **Habitat:** Temperate and tropical open oceans
- **Lifespan:** 9–15 years
- **Top speed:** Up to 80 km/h (50 mph)
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/swordfish/are-swordfish-dangerous/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/swordfish/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is a large, fast predatory fish of temperate and tropical open oceans, named for the long flattened bill that extends from its upper jaw. It can reach 3 m in length including the sword, weigh up to about 450 kg, and swim in bursts of up to 80 km/h. Swordfish hunt fish and squid in open water and typically live 9 to 15 years. The species is listed as Least Concern.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need the full biology — use the [Swordfish profile](https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/swordfish/) instead.

## The sword and how it is used

The swordfish's most famous feature is the long, flat, sword-like bill formed from an extension of its upper jaw. Rather than spearing prey directly, the fish often slashes sideways through schools of fish and squid, stunning or injuring several at once before eating them. The bill also cuts drag as the fish accelerates. Unlike some billfish, adult swordfish have no teeth and no scales, relying on the sword and their speed to feed.

## Help protect the Swordfish

Ocean wildlife is under mounting pressure from overfishing, bycatch and plastic pollution.

[Donate to wildlife protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/swordfish/are-swordfish-dangerous/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.