Few of the representatives of the aquatic world can boast of the ability to move as fast as a sailfish. Its speed can reach 110 km per hour. This fish is often compared to the fast ships that have conquered the sea for centuries.
Instructions
Step 1
The sailfish belongs to the family of the sailing order perchiformes. Its habitat is the warm waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but some individuals are also found in the Red Sea, from where they can reach the Black Sea waters along the Suez Canal. The sailboat got its name due to its long and high dorsal fin, reminiscent of a sail. The fish is covered with silvery scales. The back is bluish black, the sides are brown. Dark vertical stripes stand out on the body, and its famous fin is painted in a deep anthracite color. The original classification identified two types of sailing ships - Atlantic and Pacific. However, later established revealed that there are no special differences between these two species, thus, the sailboat became the only representative of its family.
Step 2
A sailboat is a rather large fish, reaching two or more meters in length and 100 kg in weight. With their size, adults move on average about 100 km per hour, but under certain conditions they are able to reach speeds of 110 km per hour. This is facilitated by the structural features of the fish body. A folded fin, a long pointed nose, a wing-shaped tail and a special film covering the entire surface of the body create minimal friction with the water and allow the sailboat to literally slide through the water column. The sailboat has no swim bladder. An asymmetric horizontal body shape and strong muscles allow him to stay afloat. Thanks to this, the fish picks up speed quite quickly, even when in an upright position.
Step 3
The massive fin allows the sailboat to maneuver well in a situation when it chases prey or hides itself from pursuit. In the state of hunting, the fish folds its fin into a special notch on its back, but if its prey abruptly changes the direction of movement, the sailboat sharply lifts the fin and successfully overtakes the prey, which rarely escapes. The sailboat's diet includes anchovies, mackerel, sardines, mackerel and a number of shellfish.
Step 4
Sailboats spawn in August-September in tropical or near-equatorial waters. Sailfish spawn several times. The caviar of these fish is medium in size, not glued together. Sailboats don't care about their offspring. They are very fertile and produce up to 5 million eggs in one spawning season. Most of the fry die at the initial stage of development, becoming food for predators.
