Roughly 80% of the billfish caught during the offshore fishery survey conducted by the R. V. "Matha Hari" in 1987-88 were Xiphias gladius, the Swordfish, which is very common in the waters around the Maldives.
This species inhabits the epipelagic zone down to a depth of 650 meters, and is mainly found in the open ocean. It is highly migratory and feeds on a broad range of fish, crustaceans, and squid.
distinctive characters
The first dorsal fin has 34 to 49 rays, the second dorsal fin has 4 to 6 rays, the first anal fin has 13 to 14 rays, the second anal fin has 3 to 4 rays, and the pectoral fin has 16 to 18 rays. Additionally, the bill is extremely long and flattened in cross-section, and there are no pelvic fins or pelvic girdle present. Adults have a single, large medium caudal keel.