Captured Species
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Photo	Names
Illustrations by Chris Van Dusen Images Courtesy of Seafood Business Magazine	Latin: Xiphias gladius French: Espadon German: Schwertfisch Spanish: Pez espada Russian: Myech-ryha Japanese: Mekajiki

Description

Swordfish are a relatively large fish. They are found in tropical and temperate waters around the world. Swordfish can grow to 450 kg (1000 lbs) but are more commonly found in the 90 to 180 kg (200 to 400 lbs) range. It has a sleek dark metalic indigo body with a "sword" protruding from its head. The sword is a dangerous weapon that can inflict serious damage if the fish chooses to use it. Some fish have been known to attack and lodge their swords into the hulls of wooden boats, trapping the fish.

Markets	Commercial Aspects
Exporting Countries Capture: United States, Spain, Uraguay, Mexico, Spain, Chile Primary Consumers United States, Japan, Europe.	World harvests average about 150 million lbs per year.

Production Trends	Diet/Health Info
Although the current status of the stocks is unknown it is commonly accepted that they are stressed and quotas have been established in some areas. More research is needed into stock levels before a good estimate of supplies will become available	Swordfish accumulate mercury, both natural and artificial in orgin, in their bodies. Mercury content is proportional to the fish's size. Thus most swordfish are purchased small and mercury concentrations are routinely monitored.

The Global Supply

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