Blue Marlin
Species Information
Scientific Name: | Makaira nigricans |
Environment: | Offshore |
Ideal Temp: | 77-81°F (25-27°C) |
Technique: | Trolling |
Lure Type: | Trolling |
World Record: | 636 kg (1402 lb 2 oz) Vitoria , Brazil |
Other Names: | blue marlin, Cuban black marlin, ocean gar, ocean guard, man in blue suit |
The Atlantic blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) is a species of marlin endemic to the Atlantic Ocean. The blue marlin (hereafter, marlin) feeds on a wide variety of organisms near the surface. By using its bill, it can stun, injure, or kill while knifing through a school of prey and then return later at its leisure to eat. Marlin is a popular game fish and has commercial value because its meat has a relatively high fat content.
This pelagic and migratory species occurs in tropical and warm temperate oceanic waters. In the Atlantic Ocean it is found from 45°N to 35°S, and in the Pacific Ocean from 48°N to 48°S. It is less abundant in the eastern portions of both oceans. In the Indian Ocean it occurs around Ceylon, Mauritius, and off the east coast of Africa. In the northern Gulf of Mexico its movements seem to be associated with the so called Loop Current, an extension of the Caribbean Current. Seasonal concentrations occur in the southwest Atlantic (5°-30°S) from January to April; in the northwest Atlantic (10°-35°N) from June to October; in the western and central North Pacific (2°-24°N) from May to October; in the equatorial Pacific (10°N-10°S) in April and November; and in the Indian Ocean (0°-13°S) from April to October.
The biggest females are more than four times as heavy as the biggest males. Males rarely exceed 160 kilograms (350 lb) in weight, and females commonly weigh over 540 kilograms (1,200 lb). The longest females can reach a length of more than 4 metres (13 ft) with the bill, from eye to tip, constituting about 20% of the total body length.
This marlin has two dorsal fins and two anal fins. The fins are supported by bony spines known as rays. Its first dorsal fin has 39 to 43 rays from front to back. Its second dorsal fin has 6 to 7 rays. Its first anal fin, which is similar in shape and size to the second dorsal fin, has 13 to 16 rays, and the second anal fin has 6 to 7 rays. The pectoral fins, which have 19 to 22 rays, are long and narrow and can be drawn in to the sides of the body. The pelvic fins are shorter than the pectorals, have a poorly developed membrane, and are depressible into ventral grooves. Its first anal fin, along with its pectoral and caudal fins, can be folded into grooves. This streamlines the fish and thereby reduces drag.
The body is blue-black on top with a silvery white underside. It has about fifteen rows of pale, cobalt-colored stripes, each of which has round dots and/or thin bars, located on both sides of the fish. The first dorsal fin membrane is dark blue or almost black and has no dots or marks. Other fins are normally brownish-black, sometimes with a hint of dark blue. The bases of the first and second anal fins have a hint of silvery white. Marlin can rapidly change color and usually appear bright blue when hunting. The coloration results from pigment-containing iridophores and light-reflecting cells. The body is covered with thick, bony, elongated scales that have one, two, or three posterior points, with one being the most common form.
The bill is long and stout. Both the jaws and the palatines (the roof of the mouth) are covered with small, file-like teeth. The lateral line system is a group of neuromasts rooted in lateral line canals that can sense weak water motions and large changes in pressure. It has the appearance of a net. It is obvious in immature specimens but unclear in adults, becoming progressively embedded in the skin. The anus is just in front of the origin of the first anal fin.
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.
Latest Blue Marlin Fishing Reports and Spots
Tuesday June 28 2022 Congratulations to Ethan Drake out of Pirates Cove on his Blue Marlin catch while fishing on the Country Girl! Starting to (
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The last couple days have been a hit with mahi mahi yellowfin tuna some wahoo and a couple blue marlin citations! Nearshores are still having f (
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Panama February Fishing Report 2019 Greetings from Panama. Fishing February in Panama deliveries perfect weather and great action at Hannibal B (
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The last few days have been steady with nice catches of Tuna and Dolphin. There have been a few Blue Marlin around as well. The post Nice Catch (
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The post Blue Marlin Release And A Box Full Of Yellowfin Tuna For Tyler Braxton and Crew! appeared first on Fish The Pelican. (
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What fish has the ugliest hair style? A MULLET! Offshore hit the docks today with yellow fin tuna big eye tuna mahi-mahi and wahoo. A few boats (
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Could not find the Dolphins where we fished today. We had some Billfish action though. Joanne caught a Sailfish and Donny caught a Blue Marlin. (
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We are always pushing our spring into the summer months as the variety of speices is what most like. As well as the short runs. This family has (
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Our offshore fleet had a little bit of it all today! Yellowfin tuna was the main catch today but we also saw big eye tuna mahi sailfish and blu (
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TGIF - 6/10/2022 5:42:00 PM
GREAT fishing boats have been filling boxes slam full of yellow fin tuna! Mahi mahi wahoo and blue marlin have also made appearances lately too (
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