Sailfish

Istiophorus platypterus

A’u lepe

Description: Body coloration is dark steely blue above fading to silvery white below, with pale purple vertical bars on sides; the sail is cobalt blue to purple with numerous small blue spots.

Size: Average weight about 30 to 50 pounds

Habitat: Generally near submerged shoals fairly close to shore Feeding: Diurnal; small fish and squid

Schooling: Usually solitary; may occur in small schools

Fishing methods: Trolling, longline Seasonality: Uncommon year-round