DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ZOOGEOGRAPHY

ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

VALUE OF FISH RESOURCES

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

DANGEROUS MARINE FISHES

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SPECIES INDEX

CHAMORRO NAMES

ISTIOPHORIDAE (MARLINS AND SAILFISHES)

Istiophorus platypterus (Shaw & Nodder)
(Sailfish) (photo: 176 cm FL, Rota Banks)
FL: to 250 cm; IGFA all-tackle record: 100.2 kg (221 lb),           Galapagos

The Sailfish is an open-ocean, near-surface species that is most abundant near land masses, particularly in the region from southern Japan to the Philippines and New Guinea.  Sailfish have been known to enter water as shallow as 12 m and occasionally feed on bottomfishes and crustaceans, although their diet usually consists of pelagic fishes and squid.  The Sailfish may be the world’s fastest fish, capable of speeds of 110 kph (68 mph).  They are uncommon around Guam and make up only a minor proportion of the Japanese longline catch in this area.

CIRCUMTROPICAL: All seas warmer than 22°C (72°F).