zoology, the Sword-fish; a genus of fishes belonging to the order of Apodidae. The upper jaw terminates in a long sword-shaped rostrum, from which it is called the sword-fish; there are no teeth in the mouth; the gill-membrane has eight rays; and the body is somewhat cylindrical. There is but one species, viz., the gladius, found in the European ocean. This fish sometimes frequents our coasts, but is much more common in the Mediterranean Sea, especially in the part that separates Italy from Sicily, which has been long celebrated for it: the promontory Pelorus, now Capo di Faro, was a place noted for the resort of the xiphias, and possibly the station of the speculators, or the persons who watched and gave notice of the approach of the fish.

The ancient method of taking them is particularly described by Strabo, and agrees exactly with that practised by the moderns. A man ascends one of the cliffs that overhangs the sea; as soon as he spies the fish, he gives notice, either by his voice or by signs, or the course it takes. Another, that is stationed in a boat, climbs up the mast, and on seeing the sword-fish, directs the rowers towards it. As soon as he thinks they are got within reach, he descends, and taking a spear in his hand, strikes it into the fish; which, after wearying itself with its agitation, is feigned and drawn into the boat. It is much esteemed by the Sicilians, who buy it up eagerly, and at its first coming into season give about sixpence English per pound. The season lasts from May till August. The ancients used to cut this fish into pieces and salt it; whence it was called Tomus Thurianus, from Thurii, a town in the bay of Tarantum, where it was taken and cured.

The sword-fish is said to be very voracious, and that it is a great enemy to the tunny, who (according to Belon) are as much terrified at it as sheep are at the sight of a wolf. It is a great enemy to the whales, and frequently destroys them. See Baleana.