White Marlin

Tetrapterus albidus

Managed by: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Regions

Florida

Protected status

None

Also known as

—

Species Profile

Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.

FWC

Size

Up to 9.5 feet (180 pounds)

Similar species

Blue marlin, M. nigricans (dorsal fin pointed and lacks spots; tips of pectoral and anal fins pointed); and longbill spearfish, T. pfluegeri (dorsal fin raised in front, then dips slightly, but remains somewhat high) Size: Up to 9.5 feet (180 pounds)

Appearance

Body dark blue to brown, fading to a silvery-white belly
Dorsal fin dark blue with noticeable black spots
Tips of first dorsal, pectoral and first anal fins are rounded
Upper jaw elongated into a spear shape
Scales imbedded with a single sharp point
Lateral line curves over the pectoral fin

Habitat

Offshore waters

Behavior

Uses its bill to stun fast-moving fishes, then turns to consume them; spawning procedures unknown; ranges throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean; feeds on squid and pelagic fishes

Additional information

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Sources

Managed by: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

FWC Wildlife Habitats Profile (FL)