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Global Animal Guide

Swordfish: Key Facts

Swordfish with a long flat bill and tall dorsal fin swimming in deep blue water

Quick answer

Swordfishs (Xiphias gladius) are fishs found across multiple regions. The ocean hunter armed with a sword. Adults typically weigh roughly 450 kg (990 lb), reach speeds of Up to 80 km/h (50 mph), and live 9–15 years. They feed on carnivore (fish and squid) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, hunting from the surface down to deep water.

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Key takeaway

Swordfishs (Xiphias gladius) are fishs found across multiple regions. The ocean hunter armed with a sword. Adults typically weigh roughly 450 kg (990 lb), reach speeds of Up to 80 km/h (50 mph), and live 9–15 years. They feed on carnivore (fish and squid) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, hunting from the surface down to deep water.

Swordfish overview

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is a fish listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 450 kg; lifespan around 9–15 years.

Swordfish ecology

Diet: Carnivore (fish and squid). Habitat: Temperate and tropical open oceans. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.

Swordfishs and people

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild swordfishs are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

Status and further reading

Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Swordfish profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.

Range and habitat

Swordfish inhabit Temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, hunting from the surface down to deep water. Their preferred habitat includes temperate and tropical open oceans, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across multiple regions.

Physical characteristics and behaviour

Adult swordfish typically measure about 3 m in length and weigh roughly 450 kg (990 lb). They can sprint at Up to 80 km/h (50 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Swordfishs are known for the ocean hunter armed with a sword — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.

Sources

Swordfish FAQs

What are key facts about swordfishs?

Swordfishs (Xiphias gladius) are fishs found across multiple regions. The ocean hunter armed with a sword. Adults typically weigh roughly 450 kg (990 lb), reach speeds of Up to 80 km/h (50 mph), and live 9–15 years. They feed on carnivore (fish and squid) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, hunting from the surface down to deep water.

What is the scientific name of the swordfish?

Xiphias gladius — used in research and conservation listings for swordfishs.

What do swordfishs eat?

Swordfishs eat fish and squid, with seasonal and regional variation in Temperate and tropical open oceans.

Where do swordfishs live?

They are associated with Temperate and tropical open oceans. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.

What is the conservation status of swordfishs?

Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.

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