Sailfish

Istiophorus platypterus

The Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) is native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans and has become established in the Atlantic, entering the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal as a Lessepsian migrant. It is dark blue above, brown-blue along the sides and silvery white below, with the upper jaw drawn out into a spear. Its most striking feature is the greatly enlarged, sail-like first dorsal fin, marked with many black spots, squared off at the front and tallest at its midpoint, while the pelvic fins are very narrow and reach almost to the vent. The body bears embedded scales, and the lateral line curves above the pectoral fin before running straight.