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The Swordfish Weather Vane, Xiphias gladius, is one of the fish in our Sport Fish Series. Its remarkable and distinctive profile are immediately identifiable when silhouetted against the skyline. While normally made in copper, this fish can also be made out of nickel-silver or brass, depending on our customer’s metal preference.
Most of the fish weathervanes we make here at West Coast Weather Vanes are made for sport anglers or as a gift from their spouses. Included in the price of our weathervanes is a small personalized booklet with a color photograph of the weathervane selected placed inside the front cover. If the weathervane is a gift, the booklet can be prepared and sent out as soon as an order is placed. It can then be given to the recipient on the special occasion, with the made-to-order sculpture piece following as soon as it is completed.
The Swordfish, also known as Broadbill in some countries, are large, highly migratory, predatory fish characterized by a long, flat bill. They are a popular sport fish, though elusive. Swordfish are elongated, round-bodied, and lose all teeth and scales by adulthood. They reach a maximum size of 177 in. (455 cm) and 1,400 lb (650kg). They are the sole member of their family Xiphiidae.
The swordfish is named after its sharp beak resembling a sword (Latin gladius), which together with its streamlined physique allows it to cut through the water with great ease and agility. Contrary to belief the “sword” is not used to spear, but instead may be used to slash and injure its prey, to make for an easier catch. Mainly the swordfish relies on its great speed, (up to 50 mph — 80 km/hr), and agility in the water to catch its prey. One possible defensive use for the sword-like bill is for protection from its few natural predators. Females grow larger than males, with males over 300 lb (135 kg) being rare.