# Swordfish (*Xiphias gladius*)

> 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.

- **Category:** Fish
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, hunting from the surface down to deep water.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/swordfish/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Actinopterygii
- **Order:** Istiophoriformes
- **Family:** Xiphiidae
- **Genus:** Xiphias

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Xiphias gladius |
| Diet | Carnivore (fish and squid) |
| Habitat | Temperate and tropical open oceans |
| Lifespan | 9–15 years |
| Length | Up to 3 m (10 ft), bill included |
| Top speed | Up to 80 km/h (50 mph) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## 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.

## Built for speed in open water

Swordfish are among the fastest swimmers in the ocean, capable of bursts up to 80 km/h. Their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies, stiff crescent-shaped tails, and reduced fins let them slice through the water with minimal resistance. Specialised muscle and a heat-exchange system near the eyes and brain keep those organs warmer than the surrounding water, sharpening their vision and reactions in cold depths. This combination makes them formidable hunters across a wide range of ocean conditions.

## Hunting and diet

Swordfish are carnivores that hunt fish and squid throughout the water column. They make daily vertical journeys, descending to cold, dark depths of several hundred metres during the day and rising toward the surface at night to feed. Their warmed eyes give them an edge in spotting prey in dim light far below the surface. A single swordfish can cover great distances in pursuit of shoaling prey.

## Range and habitat

Swordfish live in temperate and tropical open oceans around the world, from the Atlantic and Pacific to the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean. They are highly migratory, moving toward warmer waters to spawn and cooler, productive waters to feed. Adults spend much of their time far offshore rather than near coasts. They tolerate a broad range of water temperatures thanks to their internal heat-exchange system.

## Growth, size and lifespan

Swordfish grow quickly and can reach 3 m in length including the bill, with the largest individuals weighing up to about 450 kg. Females grow larger than males and tend to live longer. Their typical lifespan is 9 to 15 years. Rapid early growth helps young swordfish reach a size where few predators can threaten them.

## Fishing and conservation

Swordfish are a major commercial and sport fish, caught by longline and harpoon fisheries across the world's oceans. Some regional stocks were heavily depleted in the past, but management measures have helped several populations recover. The IUCN currently lists the species as Least Concern. Continued monitoring of catch limits helps keep the fishery sustainable.

## Frequently asked questions

### How fast can a swordfish swim?

Swordfish are among the fastest fish in the sea and can swim in bursts of up to 80 km/h (about 50 mph). Their streamlined bodies and stiff, crescent-shaped tails let them accelerate rapidly after prey.

### How big do swordfish get?

Swordfish can reach about 3 m in length including the sword and weigh up to roughly 450 kg. Females typically grow larger than males.

### What do swordfish eat?

Swordfish are carnivores that feed mainly on fish and squid. They often slash through schools of prey with their long bill to stun several targets before eating them.

### What is a swordfish's sword used for?

The sword is an extension of the upper jaw used mainly for hunting. The swordfish slashes it sideways through groups of fish and squid to injure or stun them, and it also helps cut drag while swimming at speed.

### How long do swordfish live?

Swordfish typically live 9 to 15 years. They grow quickly when young, and females generally live longer than males.

### Are swordfish endangered?

No. The swordfish is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Some regional stocks were overfished in the past, but fisheries management has helped several populations recover.

## Sources

- [IUCN Red List — Xiphias gladius.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Xiphias%20gladius&searchType=species)
- [Animal Diversity Web — Xiphias gladius. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Xiphias_gladius/)
- [Wikipedia — Swordfish.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swordfish)

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