Endangered: The Blue Marlin
Blue marlin are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species。Underwater360 lists all the unique characteristics of this special fish.
Blue marlin are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species。
One of the biggest bony fish in the world,THE LARGEST BLUE MARLIN can grow up to more than 4 METRES LONG and weigh up to 900 KILOS
Blue marlin, like other billfish, can rapidly change colour, an effect created by pigment-containing iridophores and light-reflecting skin cells. They have been seen to flash different colours while hunting. They are cobalt blue on their topsides, and silver-white underneath
Females become sexually mature when they reach a weight of about 120 kilos。
Females are three to four times larger than males
Females live for an average of 27 years, males for around 18 years
They use their spear-like, elongated upper jaw to hunt with, employing it to stun, spear or slice through their prey
Blue marlin will feed on fish (such as mackerel and tuna) and squid
They hunt during the day, relying on their keen eyesight
Blue marlin make some epic journeys as they follow the warmer waters. One tagged blue marlin was recorded as travelling almost
Blue marlin are generally solitary animals, occasionally found in pairs, rarely swimming in larger schools
Blue marlin numbers are decreasing. They are often captured as accidental by catch, and are targeted by sport fishers. Data suggests that while they are generally released alive (catch and release fishing), they often die immediately after the event.
Studies have found that blue marlin prefer the upper parts of the water column, spending most of their time in the first 30 METRES
Females can spawn up to four times in one season, and release about 7 MILLION EGGS each time. Only 1% of blue marlin eggs will reach maturity, with most of the eggs and then tiny larvae eaten by other fish.
Blue marlin are one of the strongest, fastest fish, reaching speeds of up to more than 96 KM/HR
The only predators adult blue marlin have are white sharks, mako sharks and humans
Blue marlin have a special adaptation, a countercurent exchanger – that provides their eyes and brain with warm blood which lets them see better and think faster.
For the rest of this article (Scuba Diver Issue 7/2016 No.88) and other stories, check out our past issues here or download digital copy here.