Le Léon Marchand des océans
Sailfish are often touted as the fastest fish in the world, capable of top speeds of up to 110 km/h according to some estimates: in a fight with a fisherman, a sailfish trying to escape unwound 91.4 meters of line in just three seconds. However, more recent research moderates this claim. In 2015, a study based on precise measurements showed that sailboats probably reach between 36 and 54 km/h in real speed over short distances, particularly when hunting. These speeds, while less spectacular than first estimates, remain impressive for an animal evolving in an environment as dense as water. The secret lies in its morphology: a streamlined body, a crescent-shaped tail for optimal propulsion, and an elongated rostrum that efficiently cuts through water.
A warm-water fish
Long-distance sailors can find sailing yachts in almost every tropical and subtropical ocean on the planet. They can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, between latitudes 40° north and south. They are particularly numerous in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, the waters around the Philippines and Southeast Asia. They can also be found in the Mediterranean and Red Seas, but this is rarer.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), some sailfish populations, particularly those in the Indo-Pacific, are classified as vulnerable. Overfishing and habitat destruction are the main threats to these species.
A formidable hunter
When stalking its prey, the sailfish deploys its large, sail-like dorsal fin, which it uses to group schools of fish together. Once the prey is gathered, it delivers the stab with its sharp rostrum, often to stun them before consuming them. It can also change color thanks to chromatophores in its skin: these are cells containing pigments capable of reflecting light. This characteristic is used to communicate with its congeners or to disorientate its prey prior to attack.
A source of inspiration for modern engineering
The aerodynamic and hydrodynamic properties of this fish have largely inspired naval design for the manufacture of hulls for fast boats and submarines. Its dorsal fin and rostrum have been studied to improve boat stabilization systems and maneuverability. In 2014, researchers used high-speed cameras to analyze the sailfish's movements. They discovered that it precisely adjusted the angle of its fins and rostrum to channel hydrodynamic forces, and drew inspiration from their observations to design biomimetic underwater robots and drones dedicated to seabed exploration and ocean surveillance.
A taste reminiscent of swordfish
Sailfish are mainly used for sport fishing, but they can also be found on the shelves of fishmongers' shops. It can be eaten grilled, pan-fried, raw or smoked, just like any other fish, with a taste reminiscent of swordfish.
