The black marlin (Istiompax indica) is a species of marlin found in tropical and subtropical areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Reaching lengths of over, it is one of the largest marlins and also one of the largest bony fish. Marlin are among the fastest fish, but speeds may be exaggerated in popular media, such as reports of 132km/h.[1] A 2016 study estimated maximum swimming speeds from muscle contraction times, which in turn limit the tail-beat frequency; the study suggested a theoretical upper limit for the black marlin's burst speed of 36km/h.[2] Black marlin are fished commercially and are also a highly prized game fish. Black marlins were known to drag ancient Maldivian fishing boats for very long distances until the marlins tired; it would take many hours for the fishermen to row or sail back home.[3]
French naturalist Georges Cuvier described the black marlin in 1832 as Tetrapturus indicus.
Compared to striped or white marlins and sailfish, black marlins are more solid than their blue counterparts. They have a shorter bill and a rounder and lower dorsal fin. Black marlin may be distinguished from all other marlin species by their rigid pectoral fins, which, especially from a weight of around, are unable to be pressed flat against their sides but can be tilted further backwards for reduced drag. The maximum published length is, and the maximum weight is, possibly up to .[4] [5]
The species occurs in the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific, with uncommon movements into temperate waters, and rare reports from the Atlantic.
Diet mostly consists of various fish and cephalopods. They may eat tuna, mackerel, snake mackerel, flying fish, squid, crustaceans, octopus, etc.
In August 1953, while fishing off of Cabo Blanco, Peru, Alfred C. Glassell Jr. caught a black marlin weighing 1560lb, using a handheld 7feet bamboo rod, a Fin-Nor reel and 130-pound-test linen line.[6] As of 2023 this remained a record catch under International Game Fish Association rules.[7]