In fact, the mercury in this fish is so high that the Environmental Defense Fund recommends women and children avoid it altogether. 9 of 11. Asked by Wiki User. The swordfish is a large, free-swimming predator that lives most of its life in the open ocean. 3 4 5. I don't know about swordfish, but I put 2 shafts into a sailfish this summer, and he still came after me and my dive buddy (who was only holding a camera). This large, predatory fish contains elevated levels. Top Answer. Is the swordfish dangerous to humans? 2009-06-29 02:43:55 2009-06-29 02:43:55. When it falls as part of rain or snow, it contaminates our natural water sources. Answer. Why is eating swordfish dangerous for pregnant women? 14. This is because it contains high levels of mercury making it toxic for consumption. Yet this fish is large and predatory, with a reputation for having high mercury levels. Re: Swordfish a dangerous prey? It's distantly related to both mackerel and tuna, and like the larger species of tuna it has very firm, pale flesh with a texture reminiscent of meat, rather than fish. The excess of mercury in swordfish can cause brain damage in your baby and delay its bodily development. Mercury is the main concern when it comes to avoiding swordfish. Not usually, but they are carnivores. When choosing fresh fish, look out for fish … It is a great low fat, protein rich source of those omega-3 fatty acids, but it can be full of dangerous toxins including PCBs, pesticides, and, of course, mercury. Dangerous is a debatable term, but Swordfish like Sharks can contain a fair amount of Mercury, which can be ‘dangerous’ ….. Mercury moves up the food chain. Why you should avoid it: Like many larger species, swordfish is high in mercury. A swordfish impaled a Hawaiian fisherman after having been speared by the fisherman itself, state officials said on Saturday. I know, it’s delicious! 15. For men, the recommendation is to eat no more than one serving a month. Avoid higher-mercury fish, such as tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, shark, swordfish, and king mackerel. View All. Although swordfish is hugely popular, this beautiful, tropical fish has been found to contain some of the highest levels of mercury among all larger sized edible fish. Despite being a culinary favorite amongst several Asian cultures, the swordfish is a dangerous fish to eat during pregnancy. Indeed, the risk of mercury ingestion from swordfish is so real that the Environmental Defense Fund advises women and children to completely avoid consuming swordfish. Swordfish Credit: Getty Images. It tried to spear my partner in the guts, and he was barely able to get his hand between the bill of the fish and his stomach. There are only seven fish the FDA recommends avoiding due to especially high mercury levels: Shark, King Mackerel, Marlin, Orange roughy, Swordfish, Tilefish, … Wiki User Answered . 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