Scientific Name
Makaira mazara

Common Name
Indo-Pacific blue marlin

Biology
Epipelagic and oceanic species mostly confined to the waters on the warmer side of the 24?C surface isotherm and known to effect seasonal north-south migrations. Not usually seen close to land masses or islands, unless there is a deep drop-off of the shelf. Remain mostly within the upper 37 m. Believed to form small-scale schools of at most 10 individuals. Larger fish tend to swim solitarily (Ref. 43) but smaller ones form schools of about 10 individuals (Ref. 9987). Feed on squids, tuna-like fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods (Ref. 9308). Also caught with troll lines (Ref. 9308). The flesh is of good quality and is marketed frozen and prepared as sashimi and sausages in Japan (Ref. 9308); also utilized fresh (Ref. 9987). Also Ref. 9692.

Classification

Classified By

Jordan & Snyder, 1901

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Perch-like fish (Perciformes)

Family

Billfishes (Istiophoridae)

Distribution

Region

Indo-Pacific

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: in tropical, subtropical and sometimes temperate waters (Ref. 9692). It is the most tropical billfish species and is common in equatorial waters. However, many scientists do not view Makaira mazara and Makaira nigricans as distinct species, and that the latter species has been considered a single pantropical occurring in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Highly migratory species, Annex I of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea (Ref. 26139).

Range

44°N - 40°S, 30°E - 74°W

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

21 °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

200 m

Zone

pelagic-oceanic

Environment

Marine; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous (Ref. 51243); depth range 0 - 200 m (Ref. 43), usually 100 - ? m (Ref. 6390)

Trophic Level

4.46 s.e. 0.89 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

500 cm

Common Length

350 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.6255 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (70 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (rm=0.104; K=0.12-0.29; tm=4; tmax=28; Fec=31 million)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated