Xiphiidae

noun

Distribution: tropical and subtropical waters. Premaxilla and nasal bones extremely elongated, forming a pointed, depressed, sharp-edged sword. Gill membranes not united to isthmus. Adults scaleless. No pelvic fins and girdle. Adults lacking jaw teeth. One median keel on each side of the caudal peduncle in adults. Vertebrae 26. Maximum length 4.5 m. The morphological adaptations required for maintaining high brain and retinal temperatures are discussed in Brock et al. 1993 Science 260:210-214. Of high commercial value.

The family Xiphiidae belongs to the Class Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) and the Order Perciformes. It contains 1 genus and 1 species. It may be found in Marine environments and is primarily Marine. Members of this family are not used in the aquarium trade. Reproductively, most members of this family are nonguarders. The main mode of swimming of adult fish in this family is thunniform. Compared with other fish, the activity level of this family tends to be very active. Members of this family have been dated back to the Paleocene epoch of the Tertiary period. Etymology of this family name: Greek, xiphos = sword. 1667