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Swordfish

What is swordfish?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Scientific name Xiphias gladius[1]
Family Xiphiidae[2]
Common name broadbill[2]
Bill long, flat, pointed, swordlike[1]
Habitat temperate and tropical oceans worldwide[3]

Swordfish is a large, predatory marine fish with a long, swordlike bill, known scientifically as *Xiphias gladius* and commonly called broadbill.

Context

Swordfish (*Xiphias gladius*) is a large marine fish with a long, flat, pointed bill that looks like a sword [1]. It belongs to the family Xiphiidae and is the only member of that family [2]. Swordfish are predatory and highly migratory, found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide [3]. They are also known by the common name broadbill [2].

Documented claims

  • Swordfish are highly migratory. [2]
  • Swordfish are predatory fish. [2]
  • Swordfish are the sole member of the family Xiphiidae. [2]

Questions and answers

Is swordfish a good eating fish?

Swordfish is considered an important food fish, though some chefs have advised against eating it due to sustainability concerns [1].

Is there swordfish in Canada?

Swordfish are found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, which includes Canadian Atlantic waters [3].

Why is swordfish expensive?

Swordfish is a prized game fish and food fish, which contributes to its higher market value [1].

Sources

  1. swordfish - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help — kids.britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Swordfish – Discover Fishes - Florida Museum of Natural History — floridamuseum.ufl.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Definition & Meaning of "Swordfish" | Picture Dictionary — dictionary.langeek.co (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Entertainment