Billfish
Marlin
Istiophoridae (Family)
SaltwaterIstiophoridaeVaries by species; some are considered vulnerable or near threatened due to overfishing and habitat degradation.
About
Marlins are large, predatory fish characterized by their elongated bodies, spear-like snouts (rostrums), and prominent dorsal fins. They are known for their incredible speed and agility in the water, often leaping out of the ocean during hunts or when hooked by anglers.
- Average size
- Up to 14 feet in length, weighing over 2,000 pounds
- Colors
- Typically dark blue or black dorsally, fading to silvery white ventrally. Some species have iridescent stripes or spots.
- Diet
- Primarily consume fish, squid, and crustaceans.
- Region
- Found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans; occasionally found in temperate waters.
