The black marlin (Istiompax indica) is a formidable and highly sought-after game fish. Renowned for its immense size and impressive power, this species is a top predator. These powerful fish primarily inhabit the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Typical Dimensions
Black marlins exhibit a notable difference in size between sexes, with females generally growing considerably larger than males. A typical male black marlin usually reaches lengths between 2.7 to 3 meters (9 to 10 feet) and rarely weighs more than 226 kilograms (500 pounds). Conversely, female black marlins can exceed 4.5 meters (15 feet) in length and may weigh up to 726 kilograms (1,600 pounds), with some reports suggesting weights possibly reaching 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds).
Black marlin average 1.8 to 2.7 meters (6 to 9 feet) in growth. Size variations within the species are attributed to factors such as age, sex, and geographical region. Females tend to surpass males in size after approximately five years of age, and they also possess a longer lifespan, reaching about 13 years compared to the males’ average of seven years.
Record-Breaking Giants
The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) All-Tackle World Record for a black marlin is 707.6 kilograms (1,560 pounds). This record-setting fish was caught by Alfred C. Glassell Jr. on August 4, 1953, off the coast of Cabo Blanco, Peru. It measured 4.42 meters (174 inches) in length and had a girth of 2.06 meters (81 inches).
Exceptionally large black marlins, often termed “granders” when they exceed 1,000 pounds, are almost exclusively females. While the Peruvian waters yielded the current world record, other notable catches, such as a 652-kilogram (1,439-pound) black marlin, have been reported from locations like Cairns, Australia, a region renowned for its giant black marlin fishery.
Size Comparison with Other Marlin Species
The black marlin’s size is notable when compared to other prominent marlin species. While the black marlin holds the current IGFA all-tackle world record by weight, blue marlin also reach impressive sizes. The IGFA records for blue marlin include an Atlantic blue marlin weighing 636 kilograms (1,402 pounds, 2 ounces) and a Pacific blue marlin at 624 kilograms (1,376 pounds).
Beyond overall size, black and blue marlin have distinct physical characteristics. Black marlin possess rigid pectoral fins that cannot be folded flat against their bodies, a unique trait among marlin species. Blue marlin, in contrast, have pectoral fins that can be folded back. Black marlin also tend to have a more robust build, a shorter and thicker bill, and a lower, more rounded dorsal fin. Blue marlin are more streamlined with a taller dorsal fin. Additionally, black marlin are typically found in shallower coastal waters, whereas blue marlin often inhabit deeper offshore areas.
Compared to striped marlin and white marlin, the black marlin is significantly larger. Striped marlin typically do not exceed 200 kilograms (450 pounds) and rarely grow beyond 3.6 meters (12 feet) in length. Striped marlin are recognized by their distinct vertical stripes and a tall, pointed dorsal fin. White marlin are the smallest of the marlin species, usually weighing around 68 kilograms (150 pounds) and reaching a maximum length of about 2.7 meters (9 feet). They are characterized by their rounded fins and paler coloration.