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Swordfish - Xiphias gladius
Family Billfishes
Description: A powerful fish with a high crescent shaped dorsal fin and broadly forked tail. The pectoral fins are also large and lunate. The most distinguishing feature is the enormous bill or sword. Its bill is much larger than the bills of Sailfish or Marlins. Color is mostly a dark brown to purple with a whitish underside.
Similar fish:
Where found: Deep ocean waters of Florida.
Size: Average 50 to 100 pounds. Was much larger before unregulated fishing nearly wiped out species.
Remarks:
Florida record: 612 pounds, 4 ounces.
Regulations:
Size Limit: 47" lower jaw fork length.
Season:
Bag Limit: I per person per vessel whichever is less.
Comments: Lower jaw fork length is the straight line measurement from the tip of the lower jaw to the fork of the tail. All landed fish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours. 800-894-5528
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (heads and tails intact)
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