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Animal Database
Atlantic Blue Marlin
Atlantic Blue Marlin
Information
Common Name Cuban black marlin, Ocean gar, and Ocean guard.
Range Atlantic Ocean
Scientific Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Perciformes
Family Istiophoridae
Genus Makaira
Species Makaira nigricans
Conservation Status
VUSpecies
Vulnerable

The Atlantic Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) is a species of the Makaira genus.

Taxonomy and naming[]

Description[]

A missile - shaped fish with a thin, pointed snout and sharp, tall fins. Colour pallet is a dark blue on top, white on the bottom with a band of silver with dark stripes on the sides. Female caudal fin is brighter blue in color, and females grow up to 2 Metres longer (Males max 3 M).

Behavior[]

Needs Information

Diet[]

Using it's bill as a weapon, it can stun small or even slice small fish with it, while slightly larger fish will just be swallowed. Feeds on small baitfish such as sardines and mackerels but sometimes feeds on slightly larger fish like small tunas. Does not scavenge.

Lifespan[]

Needs Information

Gallery[]

Facts[]

  • Is one of 2 Subspecies of blue marlin, the other being the indo - pacific marlin, with yellow on the sides and a slightly lighter blue on the back.
  • Just like every other species of billfish, is is commonly mistaken as a swordfish simply because it also has a long nose.
  • Babies look completely different from adults, having a massive rounded sail on the back, aswell as rounded fins, large eyes and short nose.
  • Because of its size, the Atlantic blue marlin is sometimes called a ‘grander’ by anglers.
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