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Other
names:
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grander,
big blue
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Scientific
name:
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Makaira
nigricans |
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Genus:
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ISTIOPHORIDAE
FAMILY
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Occurs worldwide in the deep blue warm and temperate waters of the Atlantic,
Pacific and Indian Oceans. Pelagic
and migratory. They are very few fish in the ocean that can keep up with
a blue marlin, swimming near the surface of the water these fish can reach
up to 30 miles an hour.
Generally, marlins spend their time swimming
near the coastline rather than the open ocean, but are known to migrate
great distances to feed and spawn.
Blue marlins are very similar to sailfish, except that the dorsal fin
on a blue marlin's back is much shorter than the giant sail-like dorsal
fin of the sailfish. Of the two species, blue marlins are the largest.
Female blue marlins, which can reach weights of 2,000 pounds, are much
larger than male blue marlins, which rarely get bigger than 300 pounds.
Blue Marlin feed upon squid, cero and
spanish mackerel, sierra macks, bonito, and skipjacks.
Because of their tremendous strength and speed, sports fishermen have
long loved trying to catch blue marlins with a hook and reel. Once hooked
this fish guarantees you an adrenaline rush like you have never felt before.
Many are known to jump out of the water making for a strnuously exciting
day of sport.
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