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:
- 30 Secret Fishing Tips
- 27 Ways To Tell If You’re A Fishing Fanatic
- When To Fish
- Fighting A Fish
- Codes of Angling Ethics
- Fishing With Kids
- Where Do Fish Live?
- Discover Fishing
- Fishing Tips - Rod Storage
- Fly Fishing Boats
- What’cha Eating? Bait Matrix
- Ten Tips for Clean and Green Boating
- Fishing Accessories - Tips from the Boating Guy
- Boating is Affordable
- Saltwater Fishing Boats: Find a Fishing Boat at DiscoverBoating.com
- Saltwater Fishing Tips: Boating Information for Saltwater Fishing
- Sport Fishing Boats: Find A Fishing Boat
- Big Choices: The basics of big-game fishing equipment
- Saltwater Fishing Boats
- Selecting Your Saltwater Fishing Gear
- Selecting Fishing Tactics Overview
