A fast-swimming predator, the swordfish (Xiphias gladius) gets its name from its extremely long, flat, sword-like bill, which is used to impale or slash its prey. The swordfish, the only living member of the family Xiphiidae, has a long, cylindrical blackish-brown body that gradually fades to light-brown on the underside. The body tapers to large anal fins, which along with the high dorsal fin enable efficient cruising. Adult swordfish are scaleless and possess no teeth; swordfish less than one meter in length have small spines on the body and fine, file-like teeth. Usually, female swordfish grow larger and live longer than males.
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