Blue marlin fish. A fisherman's dream: marlin fish. Natural habitats

Marlins are a genus of predatory fish of the billfish (sailfish) family, living in the oceans of the tropics and subtropics. The name is translated from Greek and Latin as dagger. Marlin fish is of considerable value in sport fishing. And its extraordinary taste and high nutritional value have ensured its popularity in different parts of the world.

Description and features

The fish has a long xiphoid process, which is a transformed upper jaw. With its help, she hunts smaller fish and squid. The dorsal fin looks like a sail. The spine has 24 vertebrae. The teeth are small. When hunting, marlin can turn from dark blue to bright blue due to iridophores (pigment cells that reflect light). Sensitive lateral line receptors (neuromasts) are a good indicator of water movement and are better expressed in young animals.

Females are 4 times larger than males. Their weight usually exceeds 500 kg, and their length is 2-3 meters. There is information about a giant fish weighing 820 kg and 5 meters long.

This predator is capable of reaching speeds of up to 130 km/h thanks to some interesting features:

• The body of the fish is flattened on the sides. The shape is well streamlined;
• The fish can hide its ventral, pectoral and anal fins in recesses in its body. Resistance when moving in water is significantly reduced;
• A sharp long spear on the head perfectly cuts through the water.

The International Conservation Organization has given the marlin a "Vulnerable" status. Thousands of tons of this fish are caught annually in the Caribbean alone. Longline fishing causes the greatest damage to marlin numbers. In the USA, a law was passed according to which all ships must release this fish at a certain distance from the shore. But, unfortunately, due to the injuries received during capture, marlins have almost no chance of survival.

Spread and maturation

The most numerous species of marlin is the Atlantic blue. He is honored to adorn the coat of arms of the Bahamas. It lives in the western Atlantic Ocean, preferring temperatures above 23 degrees. Migrates seasonally along long routes.

Puberty occurs around 3 years of age. Females spawn several times per season, producing 7 million eggs 1 mm in size, which have a very low survival rate. The dark blue larvae grow at high speed. The larvae feed on zooplankton. The large and concave dorsal fin of young fish decreases relative to body height with age. Females live up to 27 years, males 10 years less. Predators prefer a solitary lifestyle; packs are a rare phenomenon.

Apart from the man Only certain types of sharks can hunt marlin- white and mako. Sticking fish are sometimes found on the gills.

Gourmet fish dishes

Fish meat is perfect for boiling, frying, barbecuing, salting and smoking. The Japanese prefer raw marlin in their national dish, sashimi.

Baked marlin with herbs

Lemon sauce and herbs go well with the unique taste of marlin. To prepare baked marlin you need to take:

• Fish fillet - 1 kg;
• Olive oil - 150 ml;
• Lemon - 2 pcs.;
• Mint - 4 sprigs;
• Dill - 2 bunches;
• Parsley - 2 bunches;
• Water - 2 tbsp. l.;
• Salt.

Salt the fish pieces and add a little lemon juice. Bake for 40-50 minutes, optionally in foil. Pour a sauce of herbs, oil, water, salt, lemon zest and juice.

Steak with vegetables and mushrooms

The degree of steak frying is not for everyone:

• The meat is cooked to the maximum, practically not releasing juice, for 10 minutes at high temperature and finished in the oven;
• Uncooked cooks for 2-3 minutes and remains red inside;
• The steak becomes medium-rare after 5-6 minutes of processing. Its juice is pinkish.

In order not to interrupt the marlin’s own unique aroma, you should not overuse spices. To cook a steak you will need:

In a heated, oiled frying pan, fry the pieces of fish to the desired degree. Fry vegetables with mushrooms, add salt, in a frying pan or grill until golden brown. Just before it's ready, you can add soy sauce. It should be served hot.

Fish soup, salting and smoking

To prepare a tasty and rich fish soup, the tail should be cut crosswise into pieces of several centimeters, the fins and head should be divided into 2 parts. Bring water to a boil with several cut onions, add salt and black peppercorns. Boil the fish in this water for 10 minutes after boiling.

To salt, cut the fish into pieces 10 by 30 cm and rub with fine salt. Wrap in a clean cloth and place in the refrigerator. Turn over the next day. On the fourth day you can use it.

To smoke, soak bars measuring 15 by 30 cm in a salty solution of medium strength for 5 hours. Smoking tied with twine.

Black marlin.
(Makaira indica)

Black Marlin (English), White marlin (Japan), Silver marlin (Hawaii).

Black marlin habitats:

This species of marlin lives in the tropical latitudes of the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Marlin is a pelagic fish, i.e. living in the water column. Black marlin prefers to stay at not very great depths (no more than200 meters ), unlike Blue Marlin. It is constantly moving, but the greatest concentration of this fish is still found in coastal areas and surrounding islands. Apparently, this is due to the marlin’s food supply.

Marlin is a heat-loving fish and it is almost impossible to meet it outside tropical latitudes. Although scientists who observed marlin migrations discovered an interesting fact: several fish rounded the Cape of Good Hope and thus ended up in the Atlantic Ocean. And during migrations, some specimens covered vast distances from Brazil to the Lesser Antilles. True, scientists are inclined to believe that this is the exception rather than the rule and that Black Marlin usually does not travel such long distances.

Description of Black Marlin:

A distinctive feature of the Black Marlin are the pectoral fins, which do not fold along the body, but are always located perpendicular to it. Also, unlike the Blue (Blue) marlin, the body of the Black one is not round in cross-section, but rather strongly flattened from the sides.

The color of the back is blue-black, the sides are silver, the belly is white. Sometimes horizontal blue stripes may appear on the sides of Black Marlin.

Average weight of Black Marlin is 100- 140 kg (females) and 200-230 kg (males). According to the International Fishing Association IGFA, the largest Black Marlin was caught in 1953 off the coast of Peru. His weight was 707.61 kg.

Black marlin is an active predator. Mainly, he hunts tuna, mackerel, coryphen and other fish that he can handle. Also, by studying the contents of the stomachs of caught Black Marlins, scientists concluded that squid, crabs and lobsters also make up a certain share of their menu.

Ways to catch Black Marlin:

Black marlin is one of the fish species included in the Offshore Grand Slam(the so-called “Grand Slam” located offshore, offshore. It includes blue marlin, black marlin and two types of swordfish.)

Of course, Black Marlin is a desirable catch for any angler.

How to hunt this strong and noble fish?

The main fishing method is sea trolling using various surface baits: some types of wobblers, octopuses and dead fish rigs (mackerel, mackerel, flying fish, etc.). Live fish is also a good bait.

The shape of the body and the strength that nature has generously endowed him with allow him to accelerate to 100 km/h and higher. Combined with the violent temperament and explosive character of this sea predator, fishing for it turns into a whole performance with

an endless series of magnificent “candles”, passing along the surface on the tail and high-speed circles wound around the boat.

The fighting process, depending on the size of the fish, can last for hours.

Generally, black marlin hunting is done on a catch-and-release basis.

and if the captive is treated correctly, most of them survive the process of fighting without consequences.

The fact is that the breathing process of marlin is directly related to movement. So, when moving in the ocean, this fish always keeps its mouth slightly open so that water enriched with oxygen passes through the gills.

Otherwise, the fish will die after some time. Taking into account this feature, if the fish is planned to be released, fishermen do not take it on board, but free it from the bait hooks in the water. At the same time, the boat continues to move at low speed, creating water movement.

Culinary value:

Black marlin meat is highly prized in the cuisines of various countries. In addition to traditional soups and cooking over coals, marlin meat serves as a component of Japanese sushi - kajiki, in the production of which almost

no cooking is used.

Blue (blue) marlin.

(Latin: Makaira nigricans, English: Blue marlin)

The Blue Marlin's habitat is the tropical waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as in the Indian Ocean in the vicinity of Ceylon, Mauritius and the east coast of Africa. Seasonal concentrations of Blue Marlin occur in the southwest Atlantic from January to April, the northwest Atlantic from June to October, the equatorial Pacific in April and November, and the western and central North Pacific from May to October. , and in the Indian Ocean from April to October.

Blue marlin can be found both close to the coast and thousands of kilometers away.

The Blue Marlin is larger than the Black Marlin. It is believed that its maximum weight can approach a ton, although only specimens up to726 kg . The Blue Marlin's body length reaches 5 meters . But the average fish caught is usually smaller than Black Marlin and weighs 100- 150 kg.

Distinctive features of the Blue Marlin are the pectoral fins, which are freely pressed against the body of the fish, as well as the dorsal fin, which is high and sharp (not rounded). The back is black, the sides and belly are silvery-white. Sometimes horizontal stripes are visible on the sides, which disappear after the death of the fish. There are no spots on the fins.

Ways to catch Blue Marlin:

Blue marlin lives in the water column and hunts both in the surface layer and at significant depths (over 200 meters ). Its main prey is tuna, flying fish, sardines, coryphaena, squid, etc.

Blue Marlin, like its close relative, Black Marlin, is part of the Offshore Grand Slam(the so-called “Grand Slam” away from the coast, on the seashore.

It includes blue marlin, black marlin and two types of swordfish.)

Blue marlin are caught by trolling in the surface layers. The bait is large wobblers, octopuses, large streamers ( strip baits) or tackle from live or dead fish.

To attract a predator, a noisy rattle is often used.

Blue marlin is a passionate predator. If the bait comes into his field of vision, then, as a rule, a violent bite follows. A hooked Blue Marlin frantically fights for its life, goes into the depths, and then with lightning speed jumps out of the water and “dances” on its tail. The fisherman's struggle with the sea giant can last for several hours! Because of these unforgettable moments, thousands of fishermen around the world are ready to spend time, effort and a lot of money!

Blue marlin are usually caught according to the principle "Catch and release"In some regions of the world, restrictions are imposed on catching Blue Marlin.

Culinary value:

Blue marlin meat is highly prized in the cuisines of various countries.

In addition to the Black and Blue marlin, there are several other species of marlin that are of interest to the angler.

Striped marlin.

Tetrapturus audax (Latin), Striped Marlin (English), Red marlin (Japan)

Distributed in tropical and warm temperate waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Striped marlin are pelagic fish and undergo seasonal migrations, moving towards the equator during the cold season and returning back during the warm season.

A distinctive feature of striped marlin is its high dorsal fin, equal to the height of the fish's body. The pectoral fins fold easily and press tightly. The body is strongly flattened laterally.

The back of the striped marlin is silver-blue, the sides are silver with a blue tint, and the belly is white. On the sides there are horizontal blue stripes that persist even after the death of the fish, which distinguishes the striped marlin from its fellow species.

There are many rainbow spots on the fins.

Striped marlin is an active predator. Its diet includes sardinella, anchovies, mackerel, saury, flying fish, and squid.

Striped Marlin are caught in much the same way as Black and Blue Marlin. Surface wobblers, octopuses, large streamers, live bait and dead fish rigs are used as bait.

Striped marlin are often hooked a short distance from shore.

A distinctive feature of the Striped Marlin is its behavior after the hook. This fish is lighter and more dynamic than its relatives and, once hooked, makes dizzying jumps, “candles” and “tail dancing”. Fishing for Striped Marlin is one of the most spectacular.

White marlin.

Tetrapturus albidus (Latin), White Marlin or spikefish (English)

It is found throughout the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea and even the western Mediterranean Sea.

White marlin is a pelagic fish, but can often be found in fairly shallow coastal areas (from20 meters).

White Marlin is similar in appearance to Striped Marlin. It is distinguished from its fellows by more rounded fin tips, a greenish tint on the back and black-purple spots on the dorsal and anal fins. When feeding or jumping, blue vertical stripes may appear on the White Marlin's body.

White marlin can be caught by trolling with the usual baits: surface wobblers, octopuses, large streamers, live bait and rigs made from dead fish, cut fish or squid.

To catch White Marlin, smaller lures and baits are used than for its larger relatives.

Black Marlin(lat. Makaira indica) large sea fish of the billfish family (Istiophoridae). The spear-shaped upper jaw is shaped like a marlinspike, which gives its name to the genus of marlin fish.

The genus Marlin (Makaira) includes three species:
. Black marlin (lat. Makaira indica);
. Atlantic blue marlin (Makaira nigricans);
. Indo-Pacific blue marlin (Makaira mazara)

Body black marlin elongated in shape and covered with small oblong scales, entirely hidden in the skin. A characteristic feature of this species are the pectoral fins, which cannot be pressed against the body of the fish. The dorsal fin is divided into two parts - the main one, which has a long base and spiny rays at the beginning, and a short additional one, located on the caudal peduncle (in young fish the fin is undivided); The anal fin also consists of a lobe-shaped anterior part and a small posterior part. On the sides of the caudal peduncle on each side there are two muscular keels, the caudal fin is sickle-shaped with very thin but strong blades. The jaw teeth are rather poorly developed. Juveniles retain non-elongated jaws for a long time;

These sea beauties can reach particularly large sizes and weights.
There were individuals more than 3 meters in length, and the record-breaking black marlin weighed 708 kg, second only to its relatives - blue marlin.
Due to their strength and body shape, marlins swim very quickly, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h.

Black Marlin It is found mainly in the distant coastal and sub-island waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans and is especially common in the East China Sea, in the inland seas of Indonesia, in the Coral Sea and off the coasts of Mexico and Central America.

His favorite foods are tuna (especially skipjack tuna) and squid, as well as other large fish; This predator almost never eats deep-sea fish. Spawning occurs in the tropical zone and continues throughout the year in equatorial regions, but is limited to the summer months on the periphery of the breeding area. This fish does not make systematic migrations and does not form significant aggregations.

All sailfish have tasty and highly valuable meat and are the subject of intensive fishing. The main method of catching these fish - longline fishing, in which they are caught along with tuna and swordfish - is developed in all oceans. Marlin and spearmen are also hunted using bait fishing rods and harpoons. All sailfish are also highly valued as objects of spinning fishing, especially developed off the coasts of Florida, Cuba, California, Hawaii, Tahiti, Peru, New Zealand and Australia.

Indeed, the fight against a hooked giant, now making sharp jerks to the sides, now trying to go into the depths or jumping high into the air, is exciting. Among the enthusiasts of this sport was Ernest Hemingway, who managed to catch a number of outstanding specimens. Knowledge of the habits of marlins and all the features of their fishing greatly helped the writer in a realistic description of the struggle of the fisherman and his prey, so vividly and colorfully reproduced in the wonderful story “The Old Man and the Sea.” In memory of Hemingway, amateur fishing competitions are held annually in Havana, in which prizes are awarded for the largest catch of marlin, sailfish and swordfish.

An interesting feature is associated with marlin breathing - when moving underwater, the fish swims with its mouth half-open and the incoming water passes through the gills, enriching the blood with oxygen.

Black Marlin caught using a spinning rod by Alfred C. Glassell Jr. in August 1953 set a world record.

Alfred caught the female black marlin weighing 1560 pounds, 14 feet 7 inches long, and 6 feet 9 inches in girth. A giant specimen was caught eight miles off the coast of Cabo Blanco, Peru on August 4, 1953.
It took Glassel almost two hours to pull the fish to the side of the boat. During this time, the marlin jumped out of the water 49 times. The footage captured was then used in the film “The Old Man and the Sea.” A stuffed marlin can be seen in the Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institution (Washington).

Eye black marlin

Blue marlin is a fish that attracts attention with its unusual appearance. It seems that everything about her is the same as that of ordinary fish, only her “nose” is very big! Atlantic blue marlin is a representative of the class of ray-finned fish.

It belongs to the sailfish family, which is part of the perciformes order. The genus to which this fish belongs is called marlin.

This fish began to be called due to the long growth on its muzzle, which resembles a pile (this is a working tool for rigging work). And translated into English this instrument is called marlinspike. This is where the name “marlin” comes from.

What does marlin fish look like?

It is immediately worth noting that among representatives of this species, females are much larger than males - as much as 4 times! Body weight sometimes reaches 800 kilograms. The maximum length of these fish, recorded by researchers, is 5 meters.

The color of the blue marlin is multi-colored: the dorsal part has a blackish-blue tint, the belly of the fish is silvery-white. Each side of the marlin is decorated with fifteen stripes formed by small dots. These strips are located vertically.

The nose part formed by the spear is very strong. Marlin's teeth look like a file - they are quite frequent and small.

Where do Atlantic marlin live?

Its territory of residence is the waters of the western Atlantic temperate climate zone. At times, marlin are found in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Its usual temperature, suitable for normal life, is from +22 to +30 degrees.

How does marlin fish behave in its natural environment? What are the characteristics of her behavior?

All blue marlin are predators. They get their food in the upper layers of water. But these representatives of the sailfish family prefer to live away from the shore.

Atlantic marlin is not a schooling fish, preferring to swim and hunt alone. Although flocks still form, this happens extremely rarely.

In the open waters, blue marlins are true racers. Thanks to the special streamlined body structure and fins folded into special recesses, they are able to swim at very high speeds.

Marlins do not stay in one place; they are prone to constant migrations. The main directions of their migrations are movements from the Caribbean islands to the coast of Venezuela and from the Virgin Islands to the coast of Africa.

What constitutes the main diet of Atlantic marlin?

Marlins are predatory fish. Their main food is tuna and mackerel. In addition, they can consume various cephalopods. Marlins have a special way of hunting: they accelerate at high speed towards a school of fish, swim sharply through it, and then return and quickly swallow the frightened fish.

How do marlins reproduce?

The mating season for these fish falls at the end of summer - beginning of autumn. During one breeding season, females can lay eggs 4 times. Just one female lays about 7 million eggs in one season. The size of one egg is approximately 1 millimeter in diameter. After birth, small marlins are carried by ocean currents to different places.

When the young are 2–4 years old, the individuals become sexually mature and are able to continue reproducing offspring.

Female blue marlins live in the wild for about 27 years; males have a shorter lifespan by almost 10 years.

Niramin - Apr 26th, 2016

The famous Atlantic blue marlin or blue marlin (lat. Makaira nigricans) lives in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Closer to the equator, you can perform a unique fishing feat - catch a blue marlin. After all, in order to become the owner of a “Grand Slam”, not a tennis one, but one that takes place in a fishing environment, among other conditions, it is necessary to catch this particular fish.

There are countries where marlin fishing is quite strictly regulated by local legislation. In some of them, the law requires the entire catch to be released into the wild. But the main thing for a person obsessed with fishing is not to eat the fish, but to defeat it. In the case of blue marlin, the fight will always be long, difficult and interesting.

Judge for yourself, the length of the fish can reach up to 4 meters, and the weight of the beauty can be up to 0.8 tons. Exactly, beauties. Marlins are one of the few animals whose females are much larger than their male relatives. The fish is dark blue in the upper part of the body and silvery on the sides, with unusually beautiful dorsal fins and a spear-shaped snout, capable of accelerating up to 100 km/h. Some peoples call it the king fish.

The king marlin fish prefers open water and shallow depths. But it can also come to the shore and go deeper. They live in small flocks of about a dozen individuals. The fish is predatory; it is believed that it prefers tuna, crabs and shrimp to everything else.

In the third year of its life, marlin becomes sexually mature, that is, ready to reproduce. The female lays eggs in fairly large quantities, on the order of several million eggs. This happens up to 4 times a year.

Blue marlin in the photo:

Photo: Atlantic blue marlin.

Video: Blue Marlin Action — lots of jumps and fights

Video: Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans)