Atlantic Blue Marlin
(Makaira nigricans) Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Istiophorodae Genus: Makaira Species: Nigricans |
Morphology
The marlin has two dorsal fins and two anal fins. The fins are supported by bony spines known as rays.The pelvic fins are shorter than the pectorals, have a poorly developed membrane, and are depressible into ventral grooves. Its first anal fin, along with its pectoral and caudal fins, can be folded into grooves. This streamlines the fish and thereby reduces drag. They present bilateral symmetry.The bill is long and stout. Both the jaws and the palatines (the roof of the mouth) are covered with small, file-like teeth. The lateral line system is a group of neuromasts rooted in lateral line canals that can sense weak water motions and large changes in pressure. |
Biology
This majestic creature lives in temperate and tropical waters of Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean. Blue marlin is able to swim close to the surface of the water, or to dive to the great depths while it searches for food. Major threats for the survival of blue marlins are: increased boat traffic (which leads to accidental collisions), over-fishing and accidental caught (bycatch with other fish species, especially tuna). Blue marlins are not on the list of endangered species, but they may become endangered in the near future due to uncontrolled fishing and pollution of the ocean. |
Blue Marlin Facts
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Economic Importance
Blue Marlin are fished commercially and for sport. Their enormous weight, strength, and agility make them a prize catch to any deep sea fisherman. The sport-fishing pursuit of marlin and other bill-fish has developed into a multi-million dollar industry that includes hundreds of companies and thousands of jobs for boat operators, boat builders, marinas, dealerships, and fishing tackle manufacturers and dealers. Ecological Importance The blue marlin occupies a high trophic level, feeding on pelegic and benthic organisms in the ecosystem of the open ocean. |
Vocabulary
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