---
title: Indo-Pacific Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus)
scientific_name: Istiophorus platypterus
common_name: Indo-Pacific Sailfish
taxon: Marlins
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-11-24T09:02:26.753Z
updated: 2026-08-08T21:29:01.255Z
tags: Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus, Marlins, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/marlins/indo-pacific-sailfish
---

# Indo-Pacific Sailfish (*Istiophorus platypterus*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Marlins (*Istiophoridae*)
- **Size:** 270 - 348 cm
- **Weight:** 100.2 Kg
- **Depth:** 1-200 m
- **Max age:** 13 yrs
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

The Indo-Pacific sailfish, scientifically named Istiophorus platypterus, is a fascinating species found predominantly in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, but it has also made its way into the Atlantic through the Suez Canal. These fish thrive in subtropical oceanic waters, usually swimming at depths ranging from 30 to 200 meters (98 to 656 feet).

Sailfish are known for their striking appearance and remarkable size. They can grow up to 348 centimeters (137 inches) in length and weigh as much as 100.2 kilograms (221 pounds), although a more common size is around 270 centimeters (106 inches). With a lifespan of up to 13 years, they exhibit distinctive features: a long, spear-like upper jaw, a high, sail-like dorsal fin with many dark spots, and small embedded scales. Their coloration includes a dark blue upper body and silvery white underbelly, adding to their renowned aesthetic appeal.

These fish are ocean migrators, commonly found above the thermocline - a layer that separates warm surface water from cooler deep water. They often dwell near coasts and islands, forming size-based groups and migrating for spawning in the Pacific. Primarily, they feed on fast-swimming fish like tuna and mackerel, as well as crustaceans and squid, using their spear-like beaks to stun the prey. Spawning occurs year-round in warm waters, peaking during local summers, with males and females sometimes swimming together or with multiple males chasing a single female.

The sailfish's large dorsal fin, or "sail," is believed to have a role in body temperature regulation due to the dense blood vessel networks and behaviors observed near the water's surface. Within scientific discussions, typically, only one sailfish species is acknowledged, although some suggest a possible second species in the Atlantic Ocean.

Humans harvest these fish using longlines, nets, trolling, or harpooning methods. While sailfish are consumed fresh, smoked, or as sashimi and sushi, they are less sought after than other fish like marlin. Often, sailfish caught by recreational fishers are released back into the ocean, contributing to their reputation as challenging yet admired game fish. Their dynamic swimming and striking appearance make them a favorite among ocean enthusiasts.

## Also known as

- **English:** Indo-Pacific sailfish, Atlantic sailfish, sailfish
- **Arabic:** سمك الشراع الهندي باسيفيكي
- **French:** voilier indo-pacifique, Voilier de I'Indo-Pacifique, Voilier de l'Atlantique
- **Italian:** Pesce vela Indo-Pacifico, Pesce vela atlantico, Pesce vela
- **German:** Indopazifischer Fächerfisch, Fächerfisch
- **Spanish:** pez vela, Pez vela del Atlántico, Pez vela del Indo-Pacífico
- **Portuguese:** Agulhão, Agulhão-bandeira, Peixe-vela
- **Dutch:** Atlantische zeilvis, Indopacifische zeilvis, Pacifische zeilvis
- **Swedish:** Segelfisk
- **Polish:** Żaglica Pacyficzna, Zaglica
- **Czech:** plachetník širokoploutvý
- **Japanese:** バショウカジキ, Bashokajiki, Bashôkajiki
- **Chinese:** 雨傘旗魚
- **Russian:** Атлантический парусник, Индо-тихоокеанский парусник
- **CYM:** Pysgod Hwyliog, pysgodyn hwyliog
- **DA:** Pacifisk sejlfisk
- **FI:** Atlantinpurjekala, Purjekala
- **FIJ:** saku vorowaqa
- **KO:** 대서양돛새치, 돛새치, 태평양돛새치
- **MAR:** तदमासा
- **MLG:** Vovorontsatra
- **MSA:** Rayan
- **NO:** Seilfisk
- **SIN:** තලපත්
- **TAH:** ha'urepe
- **TH:** ปลากระโทงร่ม

## Scientific synonyms

- *Histiophorus dubius* Bleeker, 1872
- *Histiophorus gladius* (Bloch, 1793)
- *Histiophorus immaculatus* Rüppell, 1830
- *Histiophorus indicus* Cuvier, 1832
- *Histiophorus orientalis* Temminck & Schlegel, 1844
- *Istiophorus amarui* Curtiss, 1944
- *Istiophorus brookei* Fowler, 1933
- *Istiophorus dubius* Bleeker, 1872
- *Istiophorus eriquius* Jordan & Ball, 1926
- *Istiophorus gladifer* Lacepède, 1801
- *Istiophorus gladius* (Bloch, 1793)
- *Istiophorus gladius greyi* Jordan & Evermann, 1926
- *Istiophorus gladus* (Bloch, 1793)
- *Istiophorus greyi* Jordan & Evermann, 1926
- *Istiophorus greyii* Jordan & Evermann, 1926
- *Istiophorus immaculatus* (Rüppell, 1830)
- *Istiophorus japonicus* Jordan & Thompson, 1914
- *Istiophorus ludibundus* Whitley, 1933
- *Istiophorus orientalis* (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)
- *Istiophorus triactis* Klunzinger, 1871
- *Scomber gladius* Bloch, 1793
- *Xiphias platypterus* Shaw, 1792
- *Xiphias velifer* Bloch & Schneider, 1801

## Range

Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Federal Republic of Somalia, Indian Ocean, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand, North Atlantic Ocean, North Pacific Ocean, Red Sea, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Western Indian Ocean

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/marlins/indo-pacific-sailfish)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*