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Species Education

White Marlin

White marlin are found in the Atlantic Ocean and can be caught in waters from Canada to Argentina and across to the Mediterranean. They are a small billfish subspecies and are characterized by their rounded dorsal fins and pale bodies.

Scientific Name

  • Kajikia Albida
Photo Provided by: Brant Wise

Max Size

2.7 m and 81.6 kg (9 ft and 180 lb)

CONSERVATION

Status: Least Concern

Top Speed

80.5 kph (50 mph)

Habitat

Atlantic Ocean

Behavior

Often swim with their fins above the surface

Diet

Squid and small fish

Lifespan

Over 15 years, potentially up to 30

Species Education

What are White Marlin?

White marlin are a species of billfish found in the Atlantic Ocean. They get their name from their stark white bellies that fade into a dark blue dorsal fin and upper body. White marlin are often misidentified as roundscale spearfish, or vice versa, as they look essentially identical. They both have a uniquely shaped dorsal fin that has a rounded top, unlike the standard pointed dorsal fin of other billfish. This is often referred to as a “hatchet” dorsal fin. They have streamlined bodies that allow them to swim quickly and continuously over hundreds of miles.

Species Education

Questions about White Marlin

Andres Martinez Huelvas

How big do White Marlin get?

White marlin can grow to 4.5 m (10 ft) in length with a maximum weight of about 82 kg (180 lb). Most white marlin caught by anglers however are in the 18.2 kg (60 lb) range. The common length of white marlin (measured from lower jaw to tail) falls between 1.3 and 2 m (50 and 80 in) long, with maturity occurring at roughly 1.3 m (50 in).

Can you fish for White Marlin?

Yes! White marlin are a commonly fished species of billfish within the recreational community. White marlin are often caught by trolling with live or rigged bait, dredges, and teasers. They are known for their extreme acrobatics when hooked up, jumping and spinning while being pulled to the boat. They are often caught right at the surface of the water and are sometimes seen closing in on the bait before attacking.

Where do White Marlin live?

White marlin are native to the Atlantic Ocean. While they prefer tropical and temperate waters, they have the ability to adapt to colder climates, even having been caught in Canada and Argentina. White marlin are predominantly found in the open ocean but they will come inshore into coastal waters during warmer months. As surface hunters, they do not have a large vertical migration within the water column.

What do White Marlin eat?

White marlin are voracious and opportunistic eaters. They will eat just about any bait fish that will fit in their mouth. Their main diet consists of flying fish, mackerel, small tunas, and small mahi mahi. If they have the opportunity, they will even target squid and crabs.

How do White Marlin hunt?

White marlin hunt predominantly in the daytime for their prey. White marlin use their rostrum to slash and swipe at their prey and are skilled, swift ambush hunters. White marlin tend to hunt alone but have been known to team up with other individuals when the opportunity arises. They tend to hunt directly on the surface and will cruise after prey with their dorsal and tail fins above the water, a behavior called “tailing”.
Andres Martinez Huelvas

How long do White Marlin live for?

White marlin have a long life expectancy, it is believed they can live to be about 30 years old. The average lifespan of a white marlin is about 10 to 15 years. Both males and females are thought to have similar life expectancies and both reach maturity at about two years old.

How do White Marlin reproduce?

White marlin reproduce by broadcast spawning, a process where the females release thousands of eggs into the water, where they are externally fertilized by males. They have one spawning season a year, taking place in the early summer months of the tropical Atlantic Ocean. White marlin mating behaviors demonstrate a preference for mating in pairs.

Learn About Other Billfish Species

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