Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate; color deep brown or black on upper body, white on sides and lower body, no stripes or spots; upper jaw prolonged, flattened and serrated; no pelvic fins; caudal fin lunate with 1 keel on each side of base; no teeth;2 dorsal and 2 anal fins, each widely separated (each single in juveniles); 1st dorsal fin high, arched, rigid in adults; no scales in adults, young with spiny scales and folding doral fin. |
Similar Species |
Differs from billfishes by having a flat "sword" or jaw extension. Billfiishes jaw extensions are round in circumference.. |
Habitat |
Oceanic in cold midwater |
Maximum Size |
5 m (15 ft) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. 41-48, 4; A. 16-18, 4 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
broadbill |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |