Page 73 - (DK) Super Shark Encyclopedia: And Other Creatures of the Deep

Silver underbelly Sailfish prefer to spend most of their time near the ocean surface, where they are so active they sometimes leap from the water. SCHOOL SIZE TO UP 30

AT A GLANCE • SIZE 7 3 ⁄4–11 1 ⁄2 ft (2.4–3.5 m) • HABITAT Warm surface waters of the open ocean • LOCATION Worldwide • DIET Smaller fish and squid 68 mph (110 km/h) max. leaping speed 60 120 80 0.6–1.7 mph (1–2.7 km/h) cruising speed

Long, tapering pelvic fins lie in grooves along the body when the fish is swimming fast, making it more streamlined STATS AND FACTS 40 20 40 82% of day spent near surface 93% of night spent near surface Sickle-shaped lobes of tail fin

Tail quivers more than 10 times a second during an attack on prey SPEED SPEED mph km/h TIME TIME

FASTEST FISH

Dorsal fin forms a sail when excited Dorsal fin lies flat along the back when swimming fast

Bluish upper body and vertical stripes darken when sailfish attacks prey SLOW SWIMMING FAST SWIMMING RAISING THE SAIL The sail is a dorsal fin that is supported by stiff rays, which can be raised by muscles controlled by the nervous system. At top speed the sailfish swims with its sail down, but at other times it will raise its sail to signal aggression, fear, or excitement. ANIMAL ATHLETES

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