Physical description:

Swordfish are large, agressive fish (up to 14 feet long and a weight of 1,200 pounds) with rounded bodies and long flattened snouts. The scientific name comes from the Greek and Latin words meaning "sword". They have been reported to attack men, boats, whales and submersibles. Identifying characteristics are the lack of pelvic fins and gill rakers, and the presence of a single lateral keel located on each side of the caudal peduncle. Marlins, spearfish and sailfish have two keels. Swordfish are brownish-black on the back and upper sides, fading to a pale brown on the lower sides and belly.

Biological description:

Swordfish are the most widely distributed billfish, occurring worldwide in all temperate, subtropical and tropical seas. Spawning takes place in tropical waters when fish are 5 to 6 years old or older. Females grow faster, larger and live longer than males. Swordfish are opportunistic feeders that forage from the bottom to the surface over great depths and distances on mackerel, squid barracuda, redfish and filefish.

South Atlantic Federal Regulations

(For areas three-200 miles off the coasts of NC, SC, GA, and East Florida)

Swordfish are managed by the Highly Migratory Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service in Silver Spring, MD. For more information on federal regulations for Highly Migratory Species (sharks, swordfish, billfish & tunas) call the HMS Automated toll free line at: 1-800/894-6628 or contact NMFS at (301) 713-2347.