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Inhabits tropical and subtropical waters near land masses, usually in over 6 fathoms, but occasionally caught in lesser depths and from ocean piers. Pelagic and migratory, sailfish usually travel alone or in small groups. They appear to feed mostly in midwater along the edges of reefs or current eddies.

Its outstanding feature is the long, high dorsal fin (3749 total elements). The second dorsal fin is veer small with 6-& rays. The lateral line along the median line of the flanks is single and prominent. The bill is longer than that of the spearfish, usually a little more than twice the length of the elongated lower jaw.

The vent is just forward of the first anal fin. The sides often have pale, bluish gray vertical bats or rows of spats. The sail-like first dorsal fin is slate or cobalt blue with a scattering of black spots. The most action is found where sailfish are located on or near the surface. They eat cupid, octopus, mackerels, tunas, jacks, herring, ballyhoo, needlefish, flying fish, mullet and other small fishes.
Its fighting ability and spectacular aerial acrobatics endear the sailfish to the saltwater angler, but it tires quickly and is considered a light tackle species.

Fishing methods include trolling with strip baits, whole mullet or ballyhoo, plastic lures, feathers or spoons, as well as live bait fishing and kite fishing from boats using jacks, mullet and other small live baits. Recent acoustical tagging and tucking experiments suggest that this species is quite hardy and that survival of released specimens is good.