Xanthier, that is amazing, I was just about to post that because that's what I first noticed when I saw the model.
Fatal, let me ask you something, are you having fun? are you really having fun?...because...I see you sort of correcting things, only because people tell you, and as much as people tell you...um, I think it's important that you have feelings for your piece =), dont just copy the swordfish, try to feel it's shape and feel what makes them cool, and try to put that in your sprite, you get too technical you'll get bored, if you get bored you wont be intuitive and you wont understand the essence of the swordfish.
for example, do you like the swordfish's color? the color is pretty unique in this one, you dont often see serious pink jets, so you must feel SOMEthing about the color, if you like it, try to put in the sprite exactly what you like about the color, the way it glitters, the way it....I dont know, whatever you like, if you dont, give it a paintjob, this is your sprite and it should look how you like.
I get the impression you are letting other people lead you to much, take over dude, you have to do this for yourself or it's not worth it, dont make your pictures so you can show somebody, do them so you can solidify and define your ideas.
eh, that's why I do it anyway, I dont even show people my stuff if I dont think they'll give me an interesting comment on it, maybe I'm exagerating and you dont have to be like may, maybe this is even just a silly little hobby for you, but still...consider this, this might be loads of fun if you get more personally involved.