( Makaira Indica )
PHOTO CREDIT: The billfish foundation
Description and Biology:
Description: The outstanding physical characteristic of the black marlin is the rigid pectoral fins; the coloring is variable but runs to slate blue dorsally. Like all marlins the spawning habits are poorly known. Renowned for its speed and acrobatics. A challenge for the most experienced angler.Size: 30 - 1000kg.
Habitat and Distribution:
The open seas of the Indian Ocean including the Arabian Sea.
Shortbill Spearfish (Tetrapturus Pfluegeri)
PHOTO CREDIT: The billfish foundation
Description and Biology:
Description: Color usually is navy blue above; silvery on the sides and underparts. The dorsal fin is pointed at the front but dips only slightly and remains high for its full length -although not nearly high enough to mistake this species for a Sailfish.Size: Usually 20-40 pounds; may reach 75 or more.
Habitat and Distribution:
The open seas of the Indian Ocean including the Arabian Sea.
Sailfish ( (Istiophorus Platypterus))
PHOTO CREDIT: The billfish foundation
Description and Biology:
Description: Upper surfaces usually dark blue to black; silvery below; vertical stripes often visible on sides. The outstanding feature of the sailfish is its long, high first dorsal finSize: Averages 30-60 pounds, but many under 30 pounds and a few up to 100 pounds.
Habitat and Distribution:
Like the other Billfishes, the Sailfish is considered an ocean species, but generally can be found closer to land than the rest, seeming to prefer areas where coral reefs and/or freshwater runoffs mingle with ocean water. Found all along the Arabian sea.Swordfish ( Xiphias Gladius)
PHOTO CREDIT: The billfish foundation
Description and Biology:
Description: A chunky and powerfully built fish with a high, crescent-shaped dorsal fin and broadly forked tail. The pectoral fins are also large and lunate. The distinguishing feature, however, is the huge bill or sword - much longer and wider than the bills of Marlins and Sailfish. The eye is also very large. Color is mostly dark brown to purple, with whitish undersides.Size: Historically, from 100 to more than 1,000 pounds; however, relentless and virtually unregulated commercial longline fishing has lowered the average to well under 50 pounds
Habitat and Distribution:
The open deep seas of the Indian Ocean including the Arabian Sea.
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