Now we know why the swordfish is one of the world’s fastest fish in the deep blue – it has a natural lubricant.A new study‚ published in the Journal of Experimental Biology this week‚ says that a never-before-seen organ is probably responsible for some of the predator’s wave-splitting swiftness.Attaining high speeds is crucial for the success of these “gladiator of the deep”.About half of swordfish’s jaws are made up of an oil producing gland that connects to the capillaries that “communicate with oil-excreting pores in the skin of the head”‚ which sees them being about to reach an estimated speed of 100km an hour‚ the study revealed. “The oil is distributed from the pores over the front part of the head. The oil inside the gland is identical to that found on the skin and is a mixture of methyl esters."“We hypothesise that the oil layer‚ in combination with the denticles‚ creates a super-hydrophobic layer that reduces streamwise friction drag and increases swimming efficiency‚” researchers of the study said.According to a report by the journal Science‚ published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)‚ this oil can reduce drag on the swordfish’s skin by more than 20%‚ helping them hunt agile squid and fish in the open ocean.Found across the world in warmer waters‚ including along South Africa’s coastline‚ swordfish characteristically have smooth‚ broad sword-like bills that are significantly longer and wider than any other known billfish‚ says the International Game Fish Association.While scientists hope to analyse swordfish skin further‚ the species is difficult to study because it is too sensitive to stress to survive in captivity‚ Science AAAS added. ..