Underwater Cameraman Comes Face To Face With 'World's Fastest Fish'

When kayak fishing in Paindane, Mozambique, an angler caught a gigantic sailfish that was dragging him out to sea. When the cameraman went to check things out, the sailfish attacked! Luckily he ended up being okay. Some argue that the sailfish is the world's fastest fish, with recorded speeds of up to 110 km/h (68 mph).Show more

They usually live in colder areas of the seas of the Earth, and are predominantly blue to gray in color. Also, you can recognize them by their characteristic erectile dorsal fin known as a sail, which often stretches the entire length of the back. Another notable characteristic is the elongated bill, resembling that of the swordfish and other marlins. They are therefore described as billfish in sport-fishing circles.

The sail is normally kept folded down and to the side when swimming, but it may be raised when the sailfish feels threatened or excited, making the fish appear much larger than it actually is. This tactic has also been observed during feeding, when a group of sailfish use their sails to "herd" a school of fish or squid.

Knowing all this, it must have been very exhilarating for the angler to come face to face with this fish, and even be under attack by it. He was okay, but now he has a very interesting story to tell at social events and parties.