Istiophorus is the generic name for the oceanic sailfish. Historically, this genus contains two species: the Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) and the Atlantic sailfish (Istiophorus albicans). Recent research has proposed that in fact these are in fact not separate species but instead are non-interbreeding subspecies of Istiophorus platypterus with different geographical ranges. There is continued debate about this. While the subspecies show little genetic differentiation, they are morphologically distinct in coloration and size (with Istiophorus platypterus notably larger than Istiophorus albicans). Known as the fastest of the fish, the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic sailfishes have been clocked at 110 km/hr. Carnivores, they often chase down schooling fish such as anchovies, sardines, and the like, at high speed and then herd them with their large sail-like fin and stun them with their long bill-like jaw in order to pick their prey out of the water column. Sometimes this hunting is done cooperatively in schools with other like-sized sailfish. Although schools of small fish are their most common food source, sailfish are opportunistic feeders and have been reported to eat more unusual prey such as pufferfish and toadfish species, as well as invertebrates such as crustaceans and cephalopods. Although popular sports fish, Istiophorus are not commonly found on menus. Sailfish are abundant and their populations are considered stable.

(ARKive; http://www.arkive.org/atlantic-sailfish/istiophorus-albicans/; Collette et al. 2006; FAO factsheet; McGrouther 2011; National Geographic animals/; Wikipedia 15 December 2011; Wikipedia 20 January 2012; Wikipedia 23 October 2011)

Depth range based on 763 specimens in 3 taxa.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 732 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 4600
  Temperature range (°C): 1.478 - 24.777
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.381 - 32.106
  Salinity (PPS): 34.796 - 36.564
  Oxygen (ml/l): 2.683 - 6.129
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.096 - 2.072
  Silicate (umol/l): 0.774 - 80.155

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 4600

Temperature range (°C): 1.478 - 24.777

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.381 - 32.106

Salinity (PPS): 34.796 - 36.564

Oxygen (ml/l): 2.683 - 6.129

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.096 - 2.072

Silicate (umol/l): 0.774 - 80.155
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Collection Sites: world map showing specimen collection locations for Istiophorus

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) Stats
                                                             

Specimen Records:	70
Specimens with Sequences:	55
Specimens with Barcodes:	52
Public Records:	11
Species:	1
Species With Barcodes:	1

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