Sailfish is a large fish known for its big back fin, which it spreads out like a sail. The fish also has a long, pointed bill. Sailfish are dark blue on the back with a white or silvery underside. They range from 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.7 meters) in length and can weigh more than 220 pounds (100 kilograms).
Sailfish live in ocean waters throughout much of the world. They spend their summers in temperate (mild) seas and travel to warmer tropical waters for the winter. Sailfish normally eat smaller fish and squid. They use their long bills to stun prey. Occasionally, people have observed groups of sailfish working together to capture prey. Female sailfish lay several million eggs, but only a few of the young survive into adulthood.
Sailfish rank as popular game fish. People commonly catch them in warm waters off the coasts of the United States and South and Central America.
