Species Education

Blue Marlin

Blue marlin are found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters. They are the largest of all billfish and are characterized by their size, blue dorsal coloration, and flexible pectoral fins.

Scientific Names

  • Makaira nigricans (Atlantic Blue Marlin)
  • Makaira mazara (Indo-Pacific Blue Marlin)
Photo Provided by: Divan Coetzee

Max Size

5 m and 816 kg (16.5 ft and 1,800 lb)

CONSERVATION

Status: Vulnerable

Top Speed

105 kph (65 mph)

Habitat

Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Oceans

Behavior

Solitary fish living in deep, open water

Diet

Mackerel, tuna, and other small fish

Lifespan

27 years for females, 18 for males

Species Education

What are Blue Marlin?

The blue marlin is the largest of all billfish species. There are two subspecies, the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific blue marlin. Atlantic blue marlin tend to be slightly larger than their Indo-Pacific counterparts. These fish can be found in tropical and subtropical waters, tending to inhabit offshore areas near continental shelves, upwellings, and current shifts. They are a prized fish in the recreational fishing industry and are targeted due to their speed and strength. Atlantic and Indo-Pacific blue marlin have very few genetic differences, making them hard to differentiate.
Antonio Amaral

Species Education

Questions about Blue Marlin

How big do Blue Marlin get?

On average, blue marlin are the largest of all billfish species. While the largest fish caught was a black marlin weighing in at about 726 kg (1,600 lb), blue marlin are believed to have a potential maximum weight of nearly one ton! It is important to note that all trophy-sized blue marlin are females, as they grow much larger than males. Females can reach sizes of 3.6 m and 907 kg (12 ft and 2,000 lb), while males have a maximum size of 2.1 m and 317 kg (7ft and 700 lb). Atlantic and Indo-Pacific blue marlin are about the same size, with Atlantic blue marlin being slightly larger. The largest blue marlin caught weighed in at 624 kg (1,376 lb).
Skeet Warren

Can you fish for Blue Marlin?

Yes! This fish is on the bucket list of many anglers. In some countries, fishing for blue marlin is a huge tourist attraction. These fish can be caught with traditional trolling methods or live baiting. They can be found in offshore waters, as they very infrequently inhabit coastal areas.
Bubba Naquin

Where do Blue Marlin live?

Blue marlin can be found in the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Oceans. They are found further offshore than other billfish species, opting to spend their time in deeper waters. Their size and stamina allows for large migrations, which can result in traveling thousands of miles a year.
Richard Gibson

What do Blue Marlin eat?

The diet of a blue marlin is made up of fish like tuna, bonito, and mackerel. Additionally, they will eat cephalopods like squid and octopus, and invertebrates like crabs and shrimp.
Randy Bradley

How do Blue Marlin hunt?

The bill of a blue marlin is not just for looks; these fish use their bills as a weapon. Their rostrum slashes and stuns their prey, allowing for easy consumption. A patient predator, blue marlin have been known to track their prey for many miles, waiting for an ideal opportunity to strike.
Bubba Naquin

How long do Blue Marlin live for?

Blue marlin typically live for about 10 years, but have been known to live to nearly 30 under ideal conditions. Like many other predatory species, female blue marlin tend to outlive their male counterparts by up to a decade. Females reach maturity anywhere between two and four years of age, while males can reach maturity once they turn one year old.
Divan Coetzee

How do Blue Marlin reproduce?

Black marlin reproduce by broadcast spawning, a process where the females release up to thousands of eggs at a time into the water, where they are externally fertilized by males. Female blue marlins can release up to one million eggs per mating season, with larger, older females having a higher fecundity (ability to produce an abundance of offspring).

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