Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) are apex predators considered to be pandemic and migratory species that are found in larger quantities in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. In this paper, secondary data were collected to investigate the diet of those found in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. The results indicated that they ate prey from different species of fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Their lives are threatened by pollution, and bycatch in tuna longlines, however they will continue to exist because they are migratory specie.
Introduction
Swordfish are migratory fishes that are found in cooler water in the summer and warmer water in winter. Hence, they can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. They can grow up to 177 inches long, they have a sword-like upper jaw that can be over 0.61m, they weigh 1400 pounds (lbs.) and have a lifespan of up to nine (9) years. They become sexually mature at 5-6 years and reproduce by spawning, mainly in the Atlantic Ocean. Which according to Marinebio.org (2013), “Little is known about the reproductive behavior of swordfish except that spawning tends to occur in the Atlantic during the spring and summer months 75m deep.” (p.1).
Swordfish are apex predators which…show more content… Swordfish can be found in both pelagic and benthic zones which might account for the kinds of prey that can be caught. For example, crustaceans being found at the benthic (bottom) level and fish found at the pelagic level (open sea). According to Chancollon, Pusineri, & Ridoux (2006), “Swordfish forage near the surface by night (0-90m) and as deep as 650m by day.” (p.1083.para 2). This is an indication as to the distance they are willing to search for food and the amount they can catch within this time. Their previously mentioned diet remain constant throughout all