Saltwater Fish - Blue Marlin

 

Blue Marlin

Makaira nigricans

Distinguishing Markings:

Cobalt blue on top shading to silvery white on bottom; upper jaw elongated to form a spear; dorsal fin pointed at front end; pectoral fin and anal fin pointed; lateral line reticulated (interwoven like a net), difficult to see in large specimens.  No dark spots on dorsal fin; body covered with embedded scales ending in one or two sharp points.

 

Size: 

The largest Atlantic marlin, common to 11 feet, known to exceed 2,000 pounds.  Males do not exceed 300 pounds.

 

Distribution:

Makes trans-Atlantic migrations

 

Habitat:

Offshore, a bluewater fish

 

Food Preference:

Squid and pelagic fishes, including blackfin tuna and frigate mackerel.

 

Spawning:

Unknown

 

Fishing Tips:

Caught by trolling at or close to the surface.

 

See Also:

 

Category: Saltwater Fishing