Sailfish

sailfish Istiophorus platypterus, one of the great game fishes of the world, is closely related to the billfish, like which it has a bill, but is distinguished by its lofty, sail-like dorsal fin. It used to be thought that there were various species, but these have been reduced to one with a worldwide range: the whole of the tropical Atlantic; Arabia to southern Africa; E. Africa across to the Pacific coast of America; Japan down to Australia.

Sailfish are relatively light in weight for their length (up to 3.5 m/12'). They are good edible fish, but generally less esteemed than the related marlin.