marlin

The blue marlin is a very large, deep-shouldered seafish with a streamlined body. Its upper jaw is elongated into a distinct, spikelike snout. It may reach weights of as much as 900 kg/2,000 lb and is prized by game fishers. It is found throughout the warm and temperate seas and oceans of the world.

Any of several open-sea fishes known as billfishes. Some 2.5 m/7 ft long, they are found in warmer waters and have elongated snouts and high-standing dorsal (back) fins. Members of the family include the sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus), the fastest of all fishes over short distances - reaching speeds of 100 kph/62 mph - and the blue marlin (Makaira nigricans), highly prized as a ‘game’ fish. (Family Istiophoridae, order Perciformes.)