Identification of Atlantic Swordfish and Billfishes

Upper bill flat; Single caudal keel Swordfish

BILLFISH/ 1st Dorsal fin Sailfish SWORDFISH height at mid- body more than body depth Blue marlin Upper bill round; Anal fin triangular Double caudal keels (pointed) 1st Dorsal fin pointed in front Longbill spearfish * Anal fin rounded (club-shaped)

1st Dorsal fin height at mid- body less than White marlin ** body depth Distance from anus to anal fin less than half height of anal fin 1st Dorsal fin rounded in front Roundscale Distance from anus to spearfish ** anal fin more than half ANATOMY OF A BILLFISH height of anal fin

Caudal keels 1st Dorsal fin 2nd Dorsal fin * Possession prohibited. ** Special notes: Upper bill Roundscale spearfish—Scales on front end of mid-body round and soft White marlin— Scales on front end of mid-body pointed and stiff Caudal fin FEDERAL SWORDFISH AND BILLFISH REGULATIONS

Lower jaw Guides to Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Federal regulations are Anal fin located at https://go.usa.gov/xQ97b. The official regulations are located Anus Pelvic fins Pectoral fin in the Federal Register under Title 50 Part 635. Since fishery rules are Cleithrum to caudal keel (CK) subject to change, fishermen must familiarize themselves with the latest regulations and are responsible for complying with current regulations.

Lower Jaw Fork Length (LJFL) Highly Migratory Species Management Division (301) 427-8503 NOAA Fisheries Service 1315 East West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 April 2019