2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Swordfish / Xiphias gladius / is a predatory fish of the order Perciformes, which is especially popular because of its specific appearance. Swordfish have a fairly elongated upper jaw, which resembles a sword. It is this anatomical feature of the fish that is the reason for its name. Interestingly, the upper jaw of the swordfish occupies about a third of the length of its body. Adults of the species do not have teeth.
This type of fish is large. It grows up to 4.5 meters and can reach 650 kilograms. Swordfish have an elongated body and long fins. Her back is painted black or blue, and sometimes dark brown. In some species, the back may be in different shades. The abdomen of the swordfish is colored silver or white.
Behavior of swordfish
Swordfish inhabits mainly the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, where there is warm water. It is also found in the Mediterranean. There is evidence that representatives of this species also live in the Black Sea, but at the moment the detection of such specimens is a rare phenomenon. Swordfish move in the surface layer of the ocean, which is why it is easily spotted by fishermen.
She consumes small fish such as anchovies. Mackerel, hake, leper, sardines, squid and octopuses are also of interest to her. Swordfish can be caught mostly on the high seas. It often migrates as it follows passages of fish it intends to attack. The sword that the fish has is a device with which to attack its prey. This species of fish is considered the fastest in the world - it can reach speeds of up to 130 km / h.
The fish is popular for its remarkable jumps it makes over the water. Another attractive feature is the rapid change of her body colors. It turns out that when a swordfish is excited, it becomes like a canvas with all sorts of colors. This process is determined by her nervous system. On the other hand, this gift of hers helps her to catch her victims more easily. Otherwise, swordfish move on their own.
If individuals swim together, the distance between them is quite large. Swordfish is propagated by caviar, which is floating. The fish throw the nipples in the open parts of the water pool. The grains have a diameter of 1.5 to 1.8 mm. After three days at the latest, larvae appear, 4-5 mm long. They are greedy, eat well and gain weight very quickly.
Swordfish are agile and agile. She carefully chases her prey and skillfully uses her sword. Sometimes it happens that the representatives of the species accidentally run into small vessels. Scientists believe that fish pierce ships and boats with their swords while they are carried away in pursuit of prey.
At this point, the predator moves at a very high speed, which subsequently causes the animal to crash with great force into the vessel. These cases seem to be of great interest, as the British Museum in London even has an area with parts of boats in which the upper jaws (swords) of swordfish have fallen.
Catching swordfish
Hunting the swordfish is a unique adventure for fishermen. This activity is time consuming and is not recommended for those who do not have enough experience. Special fishing rods and reels are used for this purpose, as the swordfish is an extremely energetic and fighting fish.
Artificial lures purchased from specialty stores are used. Their colors do not matter much, although some experts recommend that they be in bright and saturated colors. To catch swordfish, you need to secure a boat, and according to experts, a motorless one is the better solution.
Fishermen stock up on thick gloves, as in young individuals the upper jaw is extremely sharp and the fish is aggressive and flexible. Most specimens of the species are found off the coast of Japan and the Mediterranean. Swordfish can also be caught in the Sea of Marmara. In our country, as it has already become clear, individual individuals are rarely caught. They fall into fixed nets placed not far from the shore.
Composition of swordfish
Swordfish is a source of a large amount of useful substances. The fish contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, sodium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, iron, thiamine, niacin, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, selenium and etc.
Swordfish in cooking
Swordfish is caught mainly because this process is exciting fun for experienced fishermen. Otherwise, the meat of swordfish is considered tough and dense. Its positive quality is that it is devoid of annoying small bones. It is suitable for processing in various ways.
Great fillets are made from the fish, which can then be grilled or baked. Breaded swordfish is also very appetizing. This type of fish is suitable for both smoking and marinating. Swordfish goes very well with eggplant, potatoes, carrots, onions and tomatoes. Spices such as dill, parsley, tarragon, oregano, black pepper, marjoram and others go well with it.
Benefits of swordfish
Consumption of swordfish has an excellent effect on our body due to the fact that the meat of swordfish is rich in a bunch of nutrients. It also contains the most important and essential amino acids and minerals. Eating swordfish has a tonic effect and is especially recommended during the cold winter months.
