Pacific Sailfish
Istiophorus platypterus
Sighting evidence at El Tejoncito, Huatulco
Photo: Robin Hughes · CC BY-NC-SA
Pacific sailfish appear off El Tejoncito's wall between December and March, often herding baitfish schools against the surface in spectacular feeding frenzies visible from the dive boat before the dive. Below the surface they occasionally descend to 15 to 20 m in pursuit of fleeing prey, giving divers a brief but unforgettable encounter with one of the ocean's fastest hunters. Their presence is linked to the seasonal upwelling that brings cold, nutrient-rich water along this stretch of coast.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Pacific Sailfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.