Digestive System:
Sword fish ingest food through their mouth and break it down in their esophagus. The food then travels to the stomach. The pancreas and liver then add enzymes as the food moves through the digestive tract. The food is then excreted through the anus. Reproductive System: Organs: Testes, ovaries, gonadsLife Cycle: As Swordfish grow, their body narrows. A Swordfish reaches sexual maturity near 2 to 3 years of age. Peculiarities: Females carry from one to 29 million eggs in their gonads. Embryonic development occurs 2 days after fertilization. Respiration/Gas Exchange: Swordfish exchange gas using their gills that are located on either side of their pharynx. The gills push the water without oxygen out through the opening in the sides of the pharynx. |
Nervous System:
Swordfish have a small brain compared to their body size. They possess two eyes and are able to see in color. Swordfish, like all fish, have brains that are divided into many parts. Skeletal/Muscular System: Swordfish consists primarily of 'white' muscle which provides energy for sudden bursts of activity, such as when in pursuit of their quarry. The swordfish then uses its bill to stun or impale its victim, slashes it into pieces or swallows it whole Locomotion: White muscle is not fit for swimming for long periods of time. They undertake their long periods of migration by moving with prevailing currents. Circulatory System: Swordfish have a closed loop circulatory system. The heart pumps blood in a single loop throughout the whole body. |