Fun Marlin Facts For Kids

Blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) are another type of fish species in the sea that belongs to the family Istiophoridae and includes other ten species. The body of the blue marlin fish is elongated, has a snout that is shaped like a spear or a bill, and a dorsal fin that is long and rigid and which extends forward in order to form a crest. Marlins are known to be one of the fastest marine swimmers and the largest sea fish.

Marlin (Makaira nigricans) are native to the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans as they prefer to live in tropical and subtropical regions. These carnivorous fishes can be easily found near the surface of the sea. Blue marlins are one of the fish that is recognized among the other fishes. The female marlin fishes are larger when compared to the male marlins. Blue marlin is a fish that is eaten by people in their diet.

Once you've finished reading this marlin facts, you should read our facts on swai fish and anchovies.
 

What type of animal is a marlin?

Blue marlin is a type of fish that has the body of the blue marlin fish, which is elongated, a snout that is shaped like a spear or a bill, and a dorsal fin that is long and rigid and which extends forward in order to form a crest. This species spend most of its time at the surface of the sea.

What class of animal does a marlin belong to?

Marlins belong to the class of ray finned fishes as their fins are supported by the rays of their dermal bone instead of a cartilage. This species can not live for long without rising to the surface.

How many marlins are there in the world?

There is no specific number as to how many marlins there are in the world as there are a total of four different species of the fish and the number of the fishes keep changing accordingly.

Where do marlins live?

Marlins live in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans.

What is a marlin's habitat?

The marlin’s habitat consists of tropical and subtropical waters and they are mostly found in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans.

Who do marlins live with?

Marlins are solitary creatures from the time they are born, and they prefer to stay alone instead of staying in a group with other species. They only unite when they want to mate and give birth to their offspring. Also, once the mother lays the eggs, the eggs keep floating until they hatch, and from then onwards, the fish spends most of its life alone.

How long does a marlin live?

Marlins have a lifespan of about 20 years as the lifespan is based on different factors which determine the lifecycle of marlins.

How do they reproduce?

Marlins reproduce with the help of external fertilization, where the female releases her eggs in the water and the male releases its sperm in the water. After this process is done, the sperm tries to find the eggs, and the fertilization takes place. Once the fertilization is complete, the eggs float in the water until the time they are hatched.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of the blue marlins is Vulnerable and efforts for their conservation are required.

What do marlins look like?

Marlins are known for their elongated body and snout that looks sharp like a spear or a bill.  Their dorsal fin is rigid and extends forward in order to form a crest.

*Please note this is not a picture of a marlin, if you have a picture of a marlin please let us know at [email protected]

How cute are they?

Blue marlin fishes are cute but also, at the same time, they are aggressive in nature and are one of the largest species of the fishes that are bony.

How do they communicate?

Marlins communicate with each other with the help of sending mind waves to each other in order to communicate or convey a message to the other fish.

How big is a marlin?

Marlins are big in size when compared to the other species of fishes. They grow long and also weigh a lot compared to the other fishes.

How fast can a marlin swim?

Marlins are the fastest marine swimmers who swim at the speed of 80 mph (182 kmph) and swim even faster when they see their predator approaching them.

How much does a marlin weigh?

The blue marlin weight for males can reach up to 330 lb (149 kg) and 1000 lb (435 kg) for females. Blue marlin can swim very fast owing to their middle-ranged weight and can catch their prey at ease.

What are the male and female names of the species?

There is no specific name for the male and female marlin fishes.

What would you call a baby marlin?

A baby marlin is called a baby marlin only.

What do they eat?

A blue marlin eats mackerel, tuna and squid. They dive deep into the water in order to catch their prey and get their food in the water accordingly.

Are they dangerous?

Yes, marlins can be dangerous sometimes, even without the use of their bills. They can attack you if you try to harm them or threaten them. It is advisable that you should stay away from marlins.

Would they make a good pet?

No, they would not make a good pet as they are dangerous in nature, and there are chances that they might harm humans. Also, it is illegal to have marlins as they are protected in the oceans.

Did you know...

Marlins are closely related to the swordfish. The blue marlin is one of the largest species of fish in the world that is known by people. They have a jaw that is long and is like a sword which enables them to slash and stun the fish making it easier for them to catch. Marlins are migratory in nature and can travel hundreds to thousands of miles in the warm currents.

Marlins are known to be the holy grail for the sport fishers. The conservation status of Marlins is not currently Endangered. The experts say that we need to worry as they are sustainably fished. The only predators of Marlins are white sharks, mako sharks, and human beings. The blue marlin relies on its eyesight to find food and they hunt during the day.

Blue marlins can also jump out of the water.

One of the fastest fish in the world

Blue marlins are one of the fastest marine swimmers that are known. They can move faster at a speed of 80 mph (128 kmph). They have a tail that is highly rigid, and it helps them through the water.

Marlin and fishing

Blue marlin fishing is done by some fishermen as a part of offshore game fishing, due to their size as well as their power. You can eat blue marlin if it is cooked properly or smoked but the blue marlin often contains unhealthy levels of mercury and toxins and which is why one should not eat marlins. The meat of the blue marlins is considered delicious in Japan and it is also served raw as sashimi.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other fish including codfish, or fluke fish.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one of our marlin coloring pages.