Marlins, family Istiophoridae, are large oceanic fishes characterized by an elongation of the upper jaw (premaxillae and nasal bones) into a long, rounded, pointed bill, or spear. The complete function of the bill is not clear, but apparently it is used to stun the marlin's prey of fish and squid as the marlin slashes through their schools. Marlins can swim at speed up to 65 km/hr (40 mph).
Four species are frequently recognized. The black marlin, Makaira Indica, of the Indian and Pacific oceans, is the largest, reaching 708 kg (1,560 lb). The blue marlin, M. nigricans, is found worlwide in warm waters. The striped marlin, Tetrapturus audax, inhabits the Pacific. The white marlin, T. albidus, of the Atlantic, is the smallest.
The blue marlin, found in warm and tropical seas throughout the world, is a favorite sport fish among deep-sea anglers.
