black-marlin
Species Facts

Science Name: Makaira indicus
Other Names: Pacific black marlin, giant black marlin (Hawaii), white marlin (Japan)
Ideal Temp: 70 to 85
World Record: 1560 lbs. Peru
Environment: offshore
Techniques: Heavy-tackle trolling
Range: Found in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
Description

Color dark blue to black on back, vertical bars occasionally present, may not be obvious after death, belly silvery white, first dorsal fin low and rounded, less that 1/2 of body depth, second dorsal fin begins in front of second anal fin, pectoral fin is rigid in adults, more flexible in juveniles but will not lay flat against body without the joints breaking (only marlin with this characteristic), pelvic fin is short.

Female larger than the male, males rarely exceed 300 pounds, females can weigh up to 700 pounds.

Large black marlin are known to feed on squid, scad, mackerel tuna, frigate mackerel, and tuna.

The black's immense strength and exceptional size makes it a favored target among big-game fishermen. A fight with one of these fish can last for hours, wearing severely on the angler as well as the tackle. Anglers commonly troll brightly colored lures or rigged baitfish to catch this species. Other popular techniques include kite fishing (where baits are suspended at the surface from flying kites) and heavy-tackle fly fishing. Commercial fishing has put a strain on numerous black marlin fisheries worldwide. As a result of the depleted stocks, many sport fisherman are now tagging and releasing their catches.

The firm, white meat is highly prized in Japan's sushi market, but banned in parts of Australia for its high selenium and mercury content.