Blue Marlin

Also known by the scientific name Makaira nigricans, the Blue Marlin is the largest of the billfish family. Its upper jaw forms a large spear-shaped bill, which the marlin uses to stun its prey. Blue on the dorsal side (the top) and silvery white on the ventral side (the abdomen), the Blue Marlin also has more than a dozen rows of blue spots on its body. Its tail is high and crescent-shaped.

All giant marlins are females, and male Blue Marlin rarely exceed 300 lb (136 kg). The pectoral fins of blue marlin are never completely rigid, even after death, and can be folded completely flat against the sides except in the largest specimens. The dorsal fin is high and pointed anteriorly (rather than rounded) and its greatest height is less than the greatest body depth. The anal fin is relatively large and it too is pointed. Juveniles may not share all the characteristics listed above, but the peculiar lateral line system is usually visible in small specimens. In adults it is rarely visible unless the scales or skin are removed. The vent is just in front of the anal fin, as it is in all billfish except the spearfish. 

They are known to feed on squid and pelagic fishes, including blackfin tuna and frigate mackerel. A powerful, aggressive fighter, they run hard and long, sound deep, and leap high into the air in a seemingly inexhaustible display of strength. Fishing methods include trolling large whole baits such as Bonito, Dolphin, Mullet, Mackerel, Bonefish, Ballyhoo, Flying Fish and Squid as well as various types of artificial lures and sometimes strip baits. 

Fish data  extract from INTERNATIONAL GAME FISH ASSOCIATION

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