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ANGLER'S GUIDE TO FISHES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO!
This book is a given for recreational and commercial fishermen as well as anyone who loves the outdoors! Since most anglers identify their fish by reviewing illustrations rather than using scientific keys, the authors have succeeded in making fishing easier by providing superb illustrations and detailed diagnostics for fish identification. A valuable, one-stop reference tool for everyday anglers, fisheries experts, biologists, and outdoors writers, this guide includes intensively researched information on 207 species of saltwater fish, essential data on each species’ habitat, identification, typical size, and food value. By Jerald Horst & Mike Lane, illustrated by Duane Raver. 207 species. |
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| Other Names : | Broadbill Swordfish, Swordfish | | Range & Habitat : | Swordfish are found Gulfwide, in the open water of the high seas. They commonly feed from the top of the water column to the bottom, but are seldom found sunning themselves in the surface waters of the Gulf of Mexico, as they do in the North Atlantic. | | Identification & Biology : | The color of this unmistakable fish is quite variable, including various shades of brown to grayish blue and even black above, shading to a lighter color below. It has a prominent bill or “sword” that is broad and flattened, unlike the rounded bills of marlin, sailfish and spearfish. The dorsal fin is also different from these other species, being short in height, crescent-shaped, and short in length, compared to the elongated dorsal fins that extend almost the length of the body in the other species.
The swordfish is an aggressive predator that uses its heavy bill both in its defense and to stun prey fish. The hard bills frequently are dented and missing pieces. Swordfish feed day and night, although most catches are made at night. Night catches usually are made using chemical light-sticks attached near the hook. Moon phase can strongly affect success. They eat a huge variety of finfish, including dolphin, mackerel, menhaden, bonito, herring, bluefish, and whiting as well as unusual deep sea fishes and squid. Mature and juvenile fish can be found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic as well as the subtropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Spawning is done only in warm waters over 68?F, including the Gulf. Swordfish can live over 10 years. | | Size : | Most common at 20-200 pounds, but fish over 1,100 pounds have been caught. Small swordfish, less than 2˝ feet long and under 10 pounds, are relatively common in the northern Gulf of Mexico, but not commonly hooked by anglers. | | Food Value : | Excellent; the firm white flesh is usually dressed into steaks and prepared by broiling or grilling. | | Description by: Jerald Horst, Associate Professor, Fisheries - LSU AgCenter |
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