AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Istiophorus platypterus
Sailfish
Shaw, 1792
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Recognized as one of the fastest fish in the ocean, it features a huge sail-like dorsal fin and an elongated spear-like rostrum.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Actinopterygii
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Istiophoriformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Istiophoridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Istiophorus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Shaw, 1792
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits the surface layers of tropical and temperate ocean waters, frequently near coasts.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mainly pelagic, often seen hunting in small coordinated groups.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Relatively solitary, but forms social groups during active hunting.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Visual ambush hunter that leverages its speed and maneuverability.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Active predator that uses its bill to strike and stun schools of fish.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Spawning reproduction in open sea, pelagic eggs dispersed by currents.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
150.0 - 300.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
10.00 kg - 100.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.500000 - 4000000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
3 - 5
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males6 - 8 Years
Females6 - 8 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males and females similar, but females tend to be slightly larger.
Females Multi-lang
Females typically reach greater total length.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Extreme hydrodynamic shape and foldable dorsal fin that reduces water resistance during high-speed swimming.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Bycatch in longline fisheries and pressure from recreational sport fishing.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Can reach swimming speeds of over 100 km/h, making it one of the most efficient predators in the sea.