How big is the Atlantic blue marlin?

Atlantic blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) reaches 250–500 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Atlantic blue marlin?

Atlantic blue marlin is found between 0–200 m deep.

Where can you find the Atlantic blue marlin?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia.

Atlantic blue marlin (Makaira nigricans)

Key facts

Scientific name: Makaira nigricans
Common name: Atlantic blue marlin
Category: Fish
Family: Istiophoridae
Genus: Makaira
Size: 250–500 cm
Depth: 0–200 m
IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: open-water
Behaviours: solitary, fast-moving
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia

Description

Makaira nigricans reaches 5 m and 900 kg (females larger than males), largest Atlantic billfish. Massive spindle body bright cobalt-violet blue with silver-white belly, long thick bill, pointed dorsal shorter than sailfish. Lives in open water from 0 to 200 m throughout tropical and warm-temperate Atlantic, massive transatlantic migrations. Fast pelagic predator. Listed VU by IUCN. Trophy sport fishery (Tag & Release recommended). Very rare diving encounters but possible in open water off Azores, Canaries, Bahamas. Legendary wide-angle photo subject. Indo-Pacific cousin: Makaira indica (black marlin).

Photo of Atlantic blue marlin

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Atlantic blue marlin?: Atlantic blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) reaches 250–500 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Atlantic blue marlin?: Atlantic blue marlin is found between 0–200 m deep.
Is the Atlantic blue marlin dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Atlantic blue marlin?: IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
Where can you find the Atlantic blue marlin?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia.

Other species in the family Istiophoridae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126950)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 8098719)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia