Sep 1, 20212 min read

Blue Marlins

Updated: Sep 2, 2021

There are four species of marlin fish, black, striped, blue and white marlin. The blue marlin fish is one of the most easily recognizable fish for being among the largest and fastest in the world. These majestic creatures live in temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

Although blue marlins are not on the list of endangered species, they may become endangered in the near future due to various issues the ocean is facing. Currently there are major threats against their survival, including increased pollution from toxic chemicals and oil spills, increased boat traffic which leads to accidental collisions, and overconsumption since these fish are considered delicacies.

Appearance

Based on the images above, blue marlins have a cobalt blue upper body and a silvery white belly. Similar to swordfishes, they have a spear or sword-shaped upper jaw which makes this big fish stand out in the ocean. Blue marlins are a very large fish. Usually they can grow about 11 feet in length, weighing 200 to 400 pounds. While females, are 3 to 4 times larger than males. Due to their elongated body, long tail, and dorsal fins, blue marlins can make sharp, quick turns to capture food and escape predators. Blue marlins have 24 vertebrae, a series of small bones forming the backbone. This allows them to have fast movement through the water and reach the speed of 60 miles per hour.

Behaviors and eating habitats

As previously stated, blue marlins use their spear-shaped jaws to catch food. Their prey are often lobster, shrimp, mackerel, tuna, dolphins, and squids. During their hunt, blue marlins will pass through dense schools of fish to increase their chances of catching or injuring a bunch of fish with their spear. If the fish is dead or injured it fish will float to the surface, signaling the blue marlin to scoop up their meal. An interesting feature these blue marlins have is their ability to find food. Unlike most fish who usually hunt at night, blue marlins hunt in the morning and afternoon. During this time, they are able to cut through sunlight shining in the water and find fish for consumption.

Did you know because of their large size and sharp spear shaped jaw, blue marlins only have a few predators? Their predators are only white sharks, mako sharks, and humans. Blue marlins are very active and strong animals that are often independent, meaning they don't hunt in packs. Though they can work together to bring the school of fish closer together forming a tornado, making it easier to catch fish.