Wildlife of Pakistan

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Black Marlin

( Makaira Indica )

PHOTO CREDIT: The billfish foundation

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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.

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�Shortbill Spearfish

(Tetrapturus Pfluegeri)

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PHOTO CREDIT: The billfish foundation

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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.

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�Sailfish

( (Istiophorus Platypterus))

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PHOTO CREDIT: The billfish foundation

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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 fin

Size: 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.

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�Swordfish

( Xiphias Gladius)

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PHOTO CREDIT: The billfish foundation

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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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