The post Have You Ever Seen a Baby Swordfish? appeared first on A-Z Animals.
A baby animal’s size at birth is often relative to the size of the species itself, so when sizes are disproportionate, it can be quite a shock. One such animal is the baby swordfish, whose larvae are significantly smaller than the adults. This post by @explainedfact shows a swordfish larva up close, revealing it to be smaller than a fingertip. Read here to learn more about swordfish larvae.
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About Swordfish
Swordfish, known scientifically as Xiphias gladius, are the only members of the Xiphiidae family. They’re famous for their pointed bills that they use to slash at prey and defend against threats. They are surprisingly large, growing to roughly 10 feet in length and weighing anywhere between 50 and 200 pounds. They inhabit tropical and temperate waters worldwide, such as the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Female swordfish are batch spawners. This means that they release eggs multiple times in one birthing season. The birthing season is year-round and depends on the temperature of the water, meaning that in tropical and subtropical waters, female swordfish can release eggs year-round, while in cooler regions, spawning is concentrated in the spring and summer months when the water is warmest. Swordfish are oviparous, meaning that they release their eggs into the water for external fertilization. Anywhere from one million to 29 million eggs may be released at a time, making swordfish highly fecund.
Swordfish Larva
When a swordfish larva hatches, it is extremely small, especially in comparison to its adult counterparts. After hatching, they are roughly 0.2 inches long. While there are no exact rates of mortality among freshly hatched swordfish, given the sheer number of eggs laid, it is probably very high. Because they must survive through the life stages of egg, larvae, and juvenile before reaching adulthood, they are highly susceptible to predation and other dangers. Their vulnerability is enhanced due to the fact that they do not benefit from their mother’s presence. From the moment they are released as eggs, they are on their own. Swordfish typically live around nine years and are somewhat slow to develop. After about five to six years, a swordfish reaches sexual maturity, which is late compared to other similar species.
The post Have You Ever Seen a Baby Swordfish? appeared first on A-Z Animals.
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