Broadbill Swordfish are named for the long, sword-like bill extending from the front portion of their body. Swordfish are found worldwide in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, in tropical, temperate, and sometimes cold waters between 40-80°F. They have been found at depths between 700-2000 feet
Swordfish can be quite large, ranging from 10-600 pounds. They have 2 dorsal fins, 2 anal fins, and no pelvic fins. The fins are usually brown to dark brown in color. The rest of the body is blackish-brown on the upper side a lighter shade of brown on the belly area Swordfish, also known as broadbills in some countries, are large, highly migratory, predatory fish characterized by a long, flat bill. They are a popular sport fish of the billfish category, though elusive. Generally an oceanic species, the swordfish is primarily a midwater fish at depths of 650-1970 feet (200-600 m) and water temperatures of 64 to 71°F (18-22°C). Although mainly a warm-water species, the swordfish has the widest temperature tolerance of any billfish, and can be found in waters from 41-80°F (5-27°C). The swordfish is commonly observed in surface waters, although it is believed to swim to depths of 2,100 feet (650 m) or greater, where the water temperature may be just above freezing. One adaptation which allows for swimming in such cold water is the presence of a "brain heater," a large bundle of tissue associated with one of the eye muscles, which insulates and warms the brain. Blood is supplied to the tissue through a specialized vascular heat exchanger, similar to the counter current exchange found in some tunas. This helps prevent rapid cooling and damage to the brain as a result of extreme vertical movements.