Swordfish have a torpedo-like body. The sword-shaped upper jaw lends this fish its name and, in adults, may account for one third of the body length. It is presumed that this "sword" is used to cull prey. The scaleless skin of the swordfish is dark grey or brown-red, the dorsal and anal fins divide into two. In young, however, these features have not yet formed. They still have scales and their snout is of one length. The spawning season of the swordfish falls during the summer months and takes place at temperatures around 24 ° C. Females, due to their high fertility, carry up to 50 million eggs. These swim, as does the larvae somewhat later, near the coast and the typical characteristics of their parents are formed later. Adults can reach speeds of up to 100 km / h and thereby travel long distances. Females are usually the larger specimens and can grow to a length of 5 m. Swordfish are loners. If small groups are formed, having been brought together by the hunt, then a safety margin of a least 100 metres between the fish is recommended.
