Tunas and billfishes are peak predators of the oceans. Their speed, grace, unique physiology, and diversity makes them important both ecologically and socioeconomically. Vital sources of food and income for many maritime nations, these exhilarating fishes are also highly desired and avidly sought by big game fishers across the globe.
This volume focuses on three families of fishes: Scombridae, the mackerels and tunas; Istiophoridae, sailfish and marlins; and Xiphiidae, the Swordfish. The 61 in-depth species accounts describe these fish and their habitats, summarize their diet and reproduction, analyze current fisheries, and evaluate their conservation status. Illustrated with full-color, scientifically accurate illustrations by Val Kells, along with range maps for each species, this book is an essential reference on these majestic inhabitants of the sea.