ATLANTIC BLUE MARLIN|
Order - Perciformes
Family - Istiophoridae
Genus - Makaira
Species - nigricans
The blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, was first described by Lacepede in 1802. The taxonomic status of the blue marlin is
a matter of some debate. Certain authors consider the blue marlin a species with a worldwide distribution in tropical and warm-
temperate waters, while other authors consider the blue marlin of the Pacific and Indian oceans a distinct species, Makaira
mazara, a conclusion based largely on differences in lateral line structure. The genus name Makaira is derived from
the Latin machaera, which means
"sword." Other names which have previously been used for the blue marlin include
Tetrapturus herschelii Gray 1838, Histiophorus herschelii Gray 1838, Tetrapturus amplus Poey
1860, Tetrapturus herschelii Gray 1838, Makaira bermudae Mowbray 1931, Makaira nigricans ampla
Poey 1860, Makaira ampla ampla Poey 1860, Makaira perezi Buen 1950, and Orthocraeros bermudae
English language common names include blue marlin, Atlantic blue marlin, billfish, cuban black marlin, marlin,
ocean gar, and ocean guard. European common names include abanico (Spanish), aguja (Spanish), castero (Spanish),
prieta (Spanish), voladora (Spanish), blauer marlin (German), espadarte-sombra (Portuguese), espadon (French)
and makaire bleu (French). In Japan this fish is often referred to as nishikuro and in Africa the common names
of the blue marlin include blou marlyn and sulisuli.
The blue marlin is found primarily in the temperate and tropical regions of the Atlantic Ocean. Based on commercial
fishing observations, the blue marlin occurs from about 44° N to 30°S.
World distribution map for the blue marlin
Occurring offshore in blue oceanic waters, the blue marlin prefers to stay in the warm waters near the surface, above
the thermocline. They follow the seasonal water temperature changes, being closely tied to these warm waters. They are
found in ocean waters great distances from the continents as well as coastal regions near deep waters, such as near the
Mississippi River in the Gulf of Mexico.
Importance to Humans
- · Distinctive Features
The blue marlin is the largest billfish. The upper jaw forms a large bill. The body is cylindrical from anal fin forward.
Two dorsal fins are present; the first dorsal fin is high and slopes steeply posteriorly, while the second is small.
The caudal peduncle has keels. The lateral line forms a large net-like pattern of hexagons canvasing the sides of the
fish. The pelvic fins are slender. The lateral keels on the caudal peduncle assist in making this fish a powerful
swimmer of great speed and stamina. Grooves for the pelvic fins improve hydrodynamics.
- · Coloration
The body is dark blue dorsally, shading to a silvery white ventrally. On the body there are 15 vertical rows of blue
spots on the side, on a background of blue to silvery white.
Bringing in a black marlin (Makaira indica),
close relative of the blue marlin
- ·Size, Age, and Growth
The blue marlin can reach a length of 14 feet (4.3 m) and a weight of one ton (910 kg). Females are
generally much larger than males. IGFA lists separate records for Atlantic and Pacific blue marlin. The all-tackle
record for the Atlantic is 1402 lb 2 oz (636 kg); the all-tackle record for the Pacific is 1376 lb (624.14 kg).
Blue marlins prey on pelagic fishes including the
- · Food Habits
Primarily near-surface pelagic fishes such as mackerels, tunas, and dolphinfishes are preyed upon by the blue marlin.
Squids, and the occasional deep sea fish have been noted in the stomachs of blue marlin. Considerable disagreement among
researchers exists over whether or not the bill is used during feeding. It is believed by some to be used to stun prey
with a swift lateral strike or strikes. The blue marlin is capable of consuming prey of relatively large proportions.
Blue marlin are not known to feed at night.
Blue marlin larvae, A. 12.6 mm, B. 21.0 mm, C. 22.1 mm
Strasburg (1970), Gehringer (1956), and Bartlett et al. (1968) in
Fishes of the Mid-Atlantic Bight - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- · Reproduction
Spawning is known to occur near Cuba between May and November. Egg hatching is dependent upon temperature, but likely
occurs well within a week. A single spawning produces millions of eggs each 1 mm in diameter, opaque white or yellow in
color. Larvae are blue-black on the sides and dorsal surface, white ventrally. The caudal peduncle and caudal fin are
clear. The head has two iridescent blue patches. Some individuals have darker spots along the back. The first dorsal
fin in juveniles is very large and concave, gradually reducing in proportion to body size as growth continues.
White shark - predator of the blue marlin
© Jeremy Stafford-Deitsch
- · Predators
Predators of the blue marlin include the white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) and shortfin mako
- · Parasites
Although the blue marlin is well-studied, only 28 species of parasites have been reported worldwide from this fish.
Parasites include digenea (flukes), didymozoidea (tissue flukes), monogenea (gillworms), cestoda (tapeworms),
nematoda (roundworms), acanthocephala (spiny-headed worms), copepods, barnacles, and fish such as remoras
(Remora sp.) and the cookie-cutter shark (Isistius brasiliensis) which is known to take bites out
of the flesh of marlins.
Blue marlin breaking the water's surface
The blue marlin is an important game fish. Blue marlin are greatly coveted by sportsfishers and trophy hunters.
The presence of this species in the waters offshore of a number of developing countries provides important economic
benefit to such areas. The blue marlin's flesh is served raw and is a popular sushi fish in Japan, and is popular table
fare in some Pacific islands such as Hawaii.
All in a day's work!
Bringing in a Pacific blue marlin
This species has been under intense fishing pressure in recent years from longline fishing. The Japanese and Cubans
harvest over a thousand tons of blue marlin annually from the Caribbean region alone. Within 200 miles of the U.S.
coastline, vessels are required to release all billfish captured, although survival rate is low due to death or
damage during capture by these vessels. The blue marlin is currently not listed as a threatened species with the
World Conservation Union (IUCN).