Check out some interesting facts about some of the world’s most sought after game fish…
DOLPHIN
• Cannibalism is observed in some members of this species.
• Wild dolphinfish grow faster than those in captivity who are fed the same diet as them. The growth rate is reversed when dolphin in captivity are fed protein-rich food pellets.
• They are one of the most popular sportfish globally.
• The Hawaiian name of this fish, mahi mahi, is commonly used due to the confusion of its English name.
SAILFISH
• Sailfish are the fastest fish in the ocean. They have been clocked leaping out of the water at speeds greater than 68 mph (110 kph).
• Their color depends on the level of their excitement.
• When hunting for food, they will herd shoals of fish into a tight ball. They then begin to thrash from side to side at high speeds, stunning the fish as they hit them with their bills. The ones that become injured are eaten.
• There is very little evidence of trans-Atlantic migration, suggesting that populations do not mix between east and west.
REDFISH
• Males produce a drumming sound from the vibration of their swim bladders to initiate spawning.
• Redfish can tolerate a wide temperature range from 35.6 – 99.5 ˚F (2 – 37.5 ˚C).
• These fish can tolerate a wide variety of salinity levels as well. They can be found in waters ranging from 0.14 – 50 ppt.
BLUE MARLIN
• Largest of the Atlantic marlins.
• Use their bills to stun or slice prey.
• Can travel 24.8-43.5 miles (40-70 km) in a day.
SWORDFISH
• Swordfish have the highest temperature range tolerance out of all the billfish.
• They have a “brain heater” consisting of specialized tissues to prevent brain damage while swimming at depths where the water temperature is just above freezing.
• The swordfish is easily distinguishable from other billfish due to the shape of its bill.
• Swordfish use their bill to kill prey.
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