Author: (Latreille, 1804)
FBname: Atlantic sailfish
Remark: This species is synonym of <i>Istiophorus platypterus</i> in Eschmeyer (CofF ver. Jan. 2018) according to Collette<i> et al.</i>, 2006 (Ref. 84358). Several authors consider it as a valid species.
Comments: Usually found in the upper layers of warm water above the thermocline, but also capable of descending to rather deep water.  Often migrate into near-shore waters.  Occasionally form schools or smaller groups of 3 to 30 individuals, but often occur in loose aggregations over a wide area.  Feed mainly on small pelagic fishes but also takes bottom-dwelling organisms.  Females grow larger (Ref. 4770).  Utilized fresh, canned and frozen; eaten steamed (Ref. 9987).