While the largest swordfish recorded in the North
Atlantic ocean weighed 550 kg, fish over 200 kg are unusual. Today, the
average fish caught in the commercial fishery weighs between 90 and 150
kilograms (1 kilogram equals 2.2 pounds). The largest fish to be caught
on a tackle weighed 274 kg. These larger fish measure approximately 4.5
meters in length (1 meter equals 3.3 feet)—with a 3 meter body and a 5 meter
sword.
Female swordfish grow faster, live longer, and are
proportionally heavier than their male counterparts. Research shows that
by 1 year of age, the female is already almost 4 kg. During the next 2
years, she triples her weight of the previous year. By age 4, the female
is likely to weigh 70 kg, and at age 5, 110 kg. Similar data for males and older swordfish are
inconclusive.
Swordfish reach sexual maturity at about 2 to 3
years of age, and live for at least nine years. While they may survive
longer, no such documentation exists. The majority of swordfish caught
in the North Atlantic sport fishery are 4 to 5 years
old.
