Blue Marlin

Makaira nigricans

Vulnerable Saltwater

Max Length

500.0 cm

Max Weight

636.0 kg

Color

Deep cobalt-blue back transitioning to …

Depth Range

0-1000m

Family

Istiophoridae

About

The blue marlin is the pinnacle of big-game fishing. Found in tropical and temperate Atlantic and Indo-Pacific waters, it can exceed 500 kg and is known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	500.0 cm
Maximum Weight	636.0 kg
Depth Range	0-1000m

Coloration

Deep cobalt-blue back transitioning to silvery-white belly; flanks display 15 or more pale vertical iridescent bars that fade rapidly after death; dorsal fin vivid cobalt.

Habitat & Distribution

Open ocean (epipelagic to mesopelagic, 0-200m) in tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Migratory; follows warm currents and thermoclines. Spawns in open oceanic waters.

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

0-1000m

Geographic Range

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Conservation Status

Vulnerable IUCN Red List

Blue Marlin is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Blue Marlin faces significant threats to its wild populations.

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Firm, mildly flavored meat with moderate fat; often used in Hawaii as smoked marlin or grilled steaks. A prized sport catch; consumption is moderate due to Vulnerable status.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Fight Rating

10/5

Recommended Bait

trolling lures, skirted ballyhoo, live tuna, mackerel

Fishing Seasons

Taxonomy

Order	Istiophoriformes (Marlins and swordfish)
Family	Istiophoridae (Marlins and sailfish)
Species	Makaira nigricans

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Makaire bleu
Spanish	Aguja azul

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Blue Marlin?

Firm, mildly flavored meat with moderate fat; often used in Hawaii as smoked marlin or grilled steaks. A prized sport catch; consumption is moderate due to Vulnerable status.

How big does Blue Marlin get?

Blue Marlin can grow up to 500.0 cm long and weigh 636.0 kg.

Where is Blue Marlin found?

Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Highly migratory, frequenting open blue-water environments from the Gulf Stream and Caribbean to the equatorial Indo-Pacific. Open ocean (epipelagic to mesopelagic, 0-200m) in tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Migratory; follows warm currents and thermoclines. Spawns in open oceanic waters.

Is Blue Marlin endangered?

The conservation status of Blue Marlin is Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Blue Marlin belong to?

Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) belongs to the family Istiophoridae (Marlins and sailfish) in the order Istiophoriformes (Marlins and swordfish).