Black Marlin

Black Marlin is a migratory fish normally found living in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Migrating Black Marlins are found in Atlantic Ocean. These fishes are considered one of the fastest swimmers on earth, often speeding up to 80 mph (130 km/h).

Description

Black Marlins are large sized commercial fishes. Black Marlins are strong and fast paced.

Color: Their colors vary from blackish to dark blue. These species have a dark blue dorsal (upper) side. The belly region tends to be silvery-white with strokes of faint blue vertical stripes on the lower sides. The back side of a Black Marlin fish is slate blue. When excited, it is found to have light blue stripes.

Length: Black Marlin is a large sized fish. Males tend to measure maximum 15.3 ft. Females are larger in size, often measuring a little above 15 feet.

Weight: Males weigh somewhere around 750kgs. Females are heavier often exceeding 1000 pounds.

Body: It is a large-sized bony fish. They have a sword-like long snout. Their body shape resembles to that of a space rocket.

Picture 1 – Black Marlin

Fins: This fish has two dorsal and two anal fins. The fins in the pelvic region tend to be drawn inside like a depression. It is the only species marlin that does not have retractable fins. The dorsal fins of a Black Marlin are the smallest in size among billfish. The dorsal fin fail to form even a mere 50% of the marlin’s total height.

Jaws: Black Marlins have sharp sword-like long and protruding upper jaw.

Distribution

Black Marlins are scattered throughout tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The species is often found to roam independently in Atlantic Ocean. The ones that find their way into the Atlantic take the route through the Cape of Good Hope. These fishes are found in most Australian sea waters. They have been found in temperate waters.

Habitat

Black Marlins are migratory in nature. Usually they tend to remain in shallow waters. They stay near the sea shore. Since this species belongs to the indo-pacific region it is found near islands and coral reefs. These fishes never swim below 30m depth. They stick to a range of ocean depth from 0 to 915m. Due to their migratory nature at times they enter temperate waters.

Diet

These are carnivorous fishes. They mainly feed on various types of sea animals and smaller fishes like dolphinfish, squid, cuttlefish, octopuses, mackerels, trevallies and swordfish. Black Marlins prefer feeding on small tunas when the latter are in plenty.

Reproduction

These Marlins perform external fertilization in breeding. The process of spawning takes place in water temperatures of 27 to 28 degree Celsius. A pregnant female has the ability to carry 40 million eggs.

Picture 2 – Black Marlin Photo

Behavior

Study the behavioral patterns of this huge fish.

• While feeding, they are found to apply their long and sharp bills cutting and tearing their prey.
• These fishes are carnivorous.
• The species can fight fishermen for long hours.
• They prefer living in shallow waters.
• These are migratory fishes.
• Black Marlins fertilize externally.
• They swim extremely fast.
• Their color changes to bluish stripes under exciting circumstances.
• They prefer staying in the ocean depths that range from 0 to 915m.

Nutritional Facts

Nutrition content per serving of this fish is

Conservation Status

There is a shortage of data in IUCN regarding the conservation status of Black Marlin fish.

Interesting Facts

• This is a very powerful fish.
• They tend to change the color to blue stripes when they get excited.
• These fishes have several common names like Pacific Black Marlin, giant Black Marlin, marlin negro, white marlin (Japan), silver marlin (Hawaii).
• They are one of the fastest swimmers on earth.
• While being obstructed or found battling with fishermen they swim very deeply.
• In the midst of a fight against fishing personnel, they often give out huge jumps.

Pictures

Here are some images of Black Marlin

Picture 3 – Black Marlin Image

Picture 4 – Black Marlin Picture