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.
