the Sword-Fish; a genus of fishes belonging to the order of apodes. See Ichthyology Index. This fish is common in the Mediterranean sea, especially in that part which separates Italy from Sicily, and 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, of the course it takes. Another that is stationed in a boat, climbs up the masts, 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 seized 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 for it 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 Tarentum, 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, which (according to Belon) are as much terrified at it as sheep are at the sight of a wolf. It is a great enemy to whales, and frequently destroys them.