Travel

Baby Billfish Photos

They don't sleep in a crib, but these soon-to-be bluewater beasts from around the globe are just babies.

By Christopher Balogh

August 14, 2014

Baby Sailfish Photo — In the first year of their lives, sailfish can often be observed off the coast of Florida. At six months, a juvenile may weigh 6 pounds and be 4.5 feet long. And, if they're lucky, they can grow into IGFA monsters — weighing upwards of 128 pounds in the Atlantic or 220 pounds in the Pacific. Photo by Josh Temple _* Note: All baby billfish included in this gallery were released to continue growing. _Josh Temple

Baby Sailfish Photo - 2 — Even though a juvenile sailfish is the size of a finger, it will grow to more than 10 feet and weigh more than 220 pounds. Photo by Kareem LinjawiKareem Linjawi

Baby Blue Marlin Photo — Blue marlin eggs hatch dependent upon temperature, but it likely occurs well within a week of spawning. A single spawn produces millions of eggs. Larvae are blue-black on the sides. They measure around 12.6 mm to 22.1 mm, but these blue beasts of the sea can grow like no other. The IGFA all-tackle record for the Pacific blue marlin is 1,376 pounds and 1,402 pounds for the Atlantic. Photo by Stacy Currin, Courtesy of Skipper GentryStacy Currin, courtesy of Skipper Gentry

Baby Swordfish — Swordfish have been observed spawning in the Atlantic Ocean, in water less than 250 feet deep. Estimates vary considerably, but females may carry from 1 million to 29 million eggs. The most recognized spawning site is in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Italy. As the only member of its family, the swordfish has distinctive larvae. The pelagic larvae are 4 mm long at hatching and live near the surface. At this stage, body is only lightly pigmented. Courtesy of Cedric Guigand, Joel Llopiz, and Dave Richardson of University of Miami's School of Marine & Atmospheric Scienceundefined

Baby Sailfish - 4 — Female sailfish release more than 4 million eggs. The recently hatched larvae start around 1/8 of an inch. In the sailfish's first year, they can grow up to 4 to 5 feet long. Photo Courtesy of Andrew DoverCourtesy of Andrew Dover

Baby Sailfish Photo - 5 — Sailfish can live up to 10 years. The spawning of the Atlantic sails occurs throughout much of the western Atlantic during the warmer months. One of the major spawning areas takes place along the lower east coast of Florida. Photo Courtesy of Capt. Peter DoranCapt. Peter Doran

Baby Sailfish - 6 — A juvenile sailfish can be so close in appearance with a white marlin juvenile, scientists have to test them on the molecular level to confirm the identification. Photo by Bob SinclairBob Sinclair

Baby Blue Marlin - 3 — A juvenile blue marlin has a very short bill. Unlike other billfish, blue marlin do not show off their elongated bill at a young age. Photo by Richard Brackettundefined

Baby Sailfish - 7 — According to a University of Miami study, temperature appears to have an effect on the rate of metabolism in juvenile sailfish. Photo Courtesy of Randy SchwabCourtesy of Randy Schwab

pete rae-1.jpg — This baby sailfish photo was taken in Feb. 2013 off Costa Rica. Baby sails are often seen at night, when they can be seen in the lights of evening fishermen. Photo by Pete Rae, Sea Spud SportfishingPete Rae, Sea Spud Sportfishing

Baby Sailfish - 8 — According to the University of Florida, at 8 inches, all larval characteristics disappear and the juvenile has all the features of an adult. Photo by Preston GreenPreston Green

Baby Blue Marlin Photo - 2 — According to the IGFA, the pectoral fins of blue marlin are never completely rigid, even after death, and can be folded completely flat against the sides except in the largest specimens. The dorsal fin is high and pointed anteriorly (rather than rounded) and its greatest height is less than the greatest body depth. The anal fin is relatively large and is also pointed. Juveniles may not share all the characteristics listed above, but the peculiar lateral line system is usually visible in small specimens. In adults it is rarely visible unless the scales or skin are removed. Photo Courtesy of Randy SchwabCourtesy of Randy Schwab

Baby Sailfish - 9 — According to the University of Florida, in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, sailfish appear to spawn in tropical and subtropical regions, with localized peaks during summer months. The males and females swim in pairs, or two to three males pursue a female during spawning. Photo Courtesy of Pickett ReeseCourtesy of Pickett Reese

Baby Sailfish - 10 — One day, this toddler sail could swim up to 60 mph. Photo Courtesy Amanda Coferundefined

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