Swordfish

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Swordfish
Species broadbill fish
No. Appearing 2–5
Behaviour aggregation
Range coral reef, deep water
Size 10 ft. long
Weight 1,000 lbs.
Intelligence 2
Armour Class 6
Hit Dice 1+1
Action Points 8
Max. Stride 35
THAC0 20
Hp/Die d4+d6
Attack Forms 1: slash
Damage 2–12
Special Attacks none

Swordfish are large, highly migratory predatory fish found in tropical and temperate ocean waters worldwide. Recognisable by their elongated, bills resembling swords, they are among the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph). Unlike some other billfish, swordfish lose their scales and teeth as they mature, relying on their speed and agility to hunt. They are powerful, solitary swimmers that dominate the open ocean, preying primarily on squid, mackerel, herring and other pelagic fish.

Swordfish.jpg

Contents

Swordfish are skilled hunters, often striking at schools of fish with their sharp bills to stun or injure their prey before circling back to feed. Most active at night, they ascend toward the surface in search of food, while during the day, they dive into deeper, cooler waters, sometimes reaching depths of 1,800 feet (550 meters).

A unique heat-exchange system in their heads allows them to maintain warmth in their brain and eyes, giving them an advantage when hunting in colder, darker environments.

They prefer open ocean habitats where temperatures range between 18°C and 22°C (64°F to 72°F). They are particularly abundant in areas with upwelling currents, where nutrient-rich waters support large populations of prey. They undertake seasonal migrations, moving toward warmer waters in winter and cooler waters in summer. They are common in the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, off the coasts of Spain, Portugal and North Africa, and along the eastern coast of North America, from the Caribbean to Newfoundland.

In the Pacific Ocean, swordfish are frequently found off the coasts of Japan, China and the Philippines, as well as in the South China Sea. In the Indian Ocean, they thrive in the waters around India, Sri Lanka and the Arabian Sea, as well as off the coasts of East Africa, Madagascar and Indonesia.

Despite their formidable nature, swordfish are not aggressive toward humans. However, due to their size, strength and highly prized meat, they are sought after by both commercial and sport fisheries.

Advantages

It attacks by slashing with its elongated bill, using the same hunting technique it employs against prey. Swordfish are known to strike at large objects in the water when threatened or provoked. They are strong, fast and capable of violent defense if hooked or cornered. There have been incidents where fishermen attempting to land a swordfish have been impaled through the leg or torso when the fish lashed out in a final attempt to escape.


See Bestiary