BROADBILL or TRUE SWORDFISH

(Xiphias gladius).

This magnificent fish ranges all tropical and temperate seas, but is only a rare visitor to New Zealand. An example in the Auckland Museum is 13 ft 8 in. in length and weighed 620 lb. The broadbill differs from the marlins in having a longer and stouter sword, a massive and permanently erect dorsal fin, and single, not paired, lateral flanges on each side near the tail. It is purplish brown above and silvery white below. The only known breeding place of the species is in the Mediterranean.

by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.