MARLIN, blue (Atlantic & Pacific) / Makaira nigricans Lacepede, 1802; ISTIOPHORmAE FAMILY
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.
Japanese longliners report that the blue marlin is the largest of the istiophorid
fishes. It apparently grows larger in the Pack. All giant marlins are females,
and male blue marlin rarely exceed 300 16 (136 kg). The pectoral fins of blue
marlin are never rigid, even after death, and can be folded completely flat
against the sides. The dorsal fm 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 lateral line of a Pacific blue marlin is a series of
large loops, like a chain, along the flanks. The lateral line of an Atlantic
blue marlin is a reticulated network that is more complex than the simple loops
of the Pacific specimens. The vent is just in front of the anal fin, as it is
in all billfish except the spearfish. The back is cobalt blue and the flanks
and belly are silvery white. There may be light blue or lavender vertical stripes
on the sides, but these usually fade away soon after death, and they are never
as obvious as those of the striped marlin. There are no spots on the fins.
The blue marlin is known to feed on squid and pelagic fishes, including blackfin
tuna and frigate mackerel, A powerful, aggressive fighter, the blue marlin can
ran 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. The
flesh of the blue marlin is pale and firm and makes excellent table fare. In
the Orient it is often served as sashimi or in fish sausages.
Some taxonomists believe that the Atlantic and Pacific blue marlins are closely
related but separate species. They apply the
scientific name Makaira nigricans Lacepede 1892, to the Atlantic species only
and the name Nakaira mazara (Jordan & Snyder, 1901) to the Pacific and Indian
Ocean species. Others treat the two populations as subspecies, Makaira nigricans
nigricans and Makaira nigricans mazara.