White Marlin (Tetrapterus albidus)
Family Istiophoridae, Billfishes
Description: color of body dark blue to chocolate
brown, shading to silvery white underbelly; noticeable spots on dorsal fin; upper jaw
elongated in shape of spear; body covered with imbedded scales with a single sharp point;
tips of first dorsal, pectoral, and first anal fins rounded; lateral line curved above
pectoral fin, then going in straight line to base of tail.
Similar fish: Blue marlin, M.nigricans.
Where found: OFFSHORE, a blue water fish.
Size: common to 8 feet.
Remarks: uses its bill to stun fast-moving fishes,
then turns to consume them; spawning procedures unknown; ranges throughout the Atlantic
and Caribbean; feeds on squid and pelagic fishes.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Marine Resources, Office of
Fisheries Management and Assistance Services
Revised - 12/14/02 04:19 PM