Sailfish are a type of billfish (like the blue marlin or swordfish) that are known not only for their pointed bills, but also their extraordinary dorsal fins that can be taller than the length of their bodies.

Perhaps you know that the fastest animal in the sea, the sailfish, cruises through the water at 68mph. In the sky, the peregrine falcon reigns supreme 10th November 2016.

1. Sailfish start out as tiny larvae, no more than a few millimeters in length, but grow rapidly during their first year. They can grow from 0.125 inches (0.3cm) when born to 10 feet (3m) long from bill to tail and weigh upwards of 220 pounds (100kg) in adulthood

2.Sailfish, like other billfish, female sailfish can be larger than males so they can carry as many eggs as possible and have a greater chance of successful reproduction in the open ocean.

3.Sailfish, are considered the fastest fish in the sea, reaching top speeds of 70 miles per hour.

4. Sailfish, are top predators in the open ocean.

5.The largest sailfish ever caught was 11.2 feet (340cm) long and weighed 220.5 pounds (100kg).

6.Sailfish can live for 13 to 15 years. However, sailfish caught and released by sport fishermen have an average lifespan of only 4 to 5 years.

7. Sailfish spend their entire lives near the surface of the open ocean, but can dive up to 1,150 feet (350 m) to find food.

There’s a sleek, strong predator out in the broad ocean that uses its speed, agility, and ferocity to stab and slash at its prey with an extended mouth.

However, this is no typical swordfish or marlin; it has a magnificent sail on its back that it uses to both communicate with and astonish its neighbors as well as stabilize itself when traveling quickly. The sailfish is said to be the fastest animal in the ocean, but does it really deserve this title?