Fish
Black Marlin
Istiompax indica
One of the ocean's true giants - a billfish that grows to well over four metres and 700 kg, ranking among the premier big-game fishes of the sea.
Also known as marlin, swart marlyn
- Typical size
- Grows to well over 4 m and 700 kg
- Habitat
- Open ocean (Indo-Pacific)
The black marlin is one of a pair of giant marlins that, with the blue marlin, grow to well over four metres and 700 kg. Only the bluefin tuna rivals them for the heavyweight title among big-game fishes, and their size, strength and endurance command the awe of anglers worldwide.
Unlike the Atlantic, where it is rare, the black marlin is at home in the Indo-Pacific. Despite the fearsome bill, it does not spear free-swimming prey; the bill more often serves to slash and stun the small fishes these marlins chase.