In General Terms ­- The term “Billfish” refers to various predatory fish species typically belonging to the taxonomical family Istiophoridae. Their biological characteristics include a spear-like rostrum or “bill,” which is used for slashing at and stunning prey. The dorsal fin of these species runs along a large part of their body and narrow pelvic fins. Billfish can be found spread throughout the worlds oceans and are defined as highly migratory species but typically reside in tropical or sub-tropical waters. The prey of these apex predators differs from a variety of small fishes to crustaceans and cephalopods (i.e. squid). Further examination of the various billfish reveals the plethora of biological differences between species. Black Marlin ( Istiompax indica ) ­- The black marlin, primarily found in the Indian and Pacific oceans are primarily distinguished from other billfish by their rigid and broad pectoral fins as well as its comparatively diminished dorsal fin. The coloration of the black marlin is similar to other billfish with a dark blue dorsal side, which fades to silvery-white on the ventral side with faint blue stripes. “Males may reach a length of 4.65 m and weight of 750 kgs, but females are generally much larger.” (Marinebio.org) Black Marlin preferably feed on small tuna but also prey on dolphin, cuttlefish, squid, mackerel, and large crustaceans. Sometimes referred to as the “bull” of the Sea, the black marlin shows incredible strength and do not tire readily when caught. Blacks can be found in near-shore waters and around reefs but are found in scattered numbers in the open sea. Larger black marlin have been caught by anglers off the coast of Australia, Peru, Panama, and Mozambique. Common Names of Black Marlin (provided by ICCAT): Denmark: Sort marlin Ecuador: Merlín negro, Picudo, Picudo negro Fiji: Saku vorowaqa Finland: Mustamarliini India: Tonki, Tadamasa Italy: Marlin nero, Pesce lancia Japan: Kurokawa, Shirokajiki Malaysia: Ikan layer, Layaran, Mersuji, Mersuji hitam, Puoh hu, Suji, Tumbuk banir Martinique: Varé Mexico: Marlin negro Micronesia: Taguraar Netherlands: Zwarte marlijn New Zealand: Taketonga Nicaragua: Aguja negra Norway: Svart marlin Oman: Kheil al bahar Papa New Guinea: Bwagilium Philippines: Tandalayang, Malasugi, Dol-lakak, Malakay, Malasugue Portugal: Espadim, Espadim negro, Espadim petro Russian Fed: Sere bristyi marlin Samoa: Sa’ula-oso Somalia: Daanbeeri South Africa: Swart marlin Sri Lanka: Ahin kopparsa, Dhappara, Ghappara, Kalu koppara, Makara, Saparava United States of America: Black marlin Blue Marlin ( Makaira nigricans & Makaira mazara ) – Blue Marlin are found throughout the worlds oceans in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters. The blue marlin is notably the largest of billfish species. Blue marlin are characterized by a cylindrical body shape, two dorsal fins (one with a steep slope and one smaller toward the posterior of the organism), and unlike the black marlin the pectoral fins are not rigid. They are named for their cobalt blue dorsal coloration, which fades into a silvery white. The keels on the caudal peduncle on the blue marlin make it an exceptionally strong and fast swimmer, a trait attractive to many anglers. There are actually two subspecies of blue marlin, Makaira nigricans & Makaira mazara . Makaira nigricans resides in the Atlantic while Makaira mazara resides in the Indian and Pacific oceans. Those in the Pacific and Indian oceans tend to be larger than those in the Atlantic. While the blue marlin is one of the most sought after species by recreational anglers it is not as abundant as other billfish. Primarily near-surface pelagic fishes such as mackerels, tunas, and dolphin are preyed upon by the blue marlin. Blue marlin are distinguished from black marlin ( Makaira indica ) by the non-rigid pectoral fin and the presence of blue bars displayed along the body. The lower dorsal fin height of blue marlin distinguishes it from striped marlin ( Tetrapturus audax ), whose dorsal fin height is equal to its body depth. Common Names of Blue Marlin (provided by ICCAT): Azores Islands: Espadim azul Barbados: Marlin Benin: Ajètè, Adjètè Brazil: Agulhão preto, Agulhão, Marlim-azul Canada: Makaire bleu Cape Verde: Espadim-azul, Espadarte, Blue marlin Côte d’Ivoire: Espadon Cuba: Aguja casta, Abanico, Voladora Denmark: Atlantisk blå marlin Dominican Republic: Aguja azul, Marlin azul Finland: Sinimarliini France: Makaire bleu Germany: Blauer Marlin Italy: Marlin azzurro, Marlin blu Japan: Nishikurokajiki Korea: Nog-sae-chi Martinique: Makaire bleu, Varé Mexico: Marlín azul Morocco: Espadon Namibia: Blou marlyn Netherlands Antilles: Balau blanku Norway: Blå marlin Portugal: Espadim-azul, Espadarte-sombra Puerto Rico: Blue marlin Romania: Marlin albastru South Africa: Blou marlin Spain: Marlin azul Trinidad y Tobago: Maman-balatre, Blue marlin Uruguay: Marlin azul United Kingdom: Atlantic blue marlin United States of America: Atlantic blue marlin Venezuela: Aguja azul, Marlin azul Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus and Istiophorus albicans) – Sailfish are one of the most iconic billfish easily recognizable by their extremely large and colorful dorsal fins. Found throughout the world, sailfish are divided into two subspecies, Istiophorus platypterus and Istiophorus albicans . Istiophorus platypterus is located in the Pacific and Indian oceanswhile Istiophorus albicans reside in the Atlantic in both tropical and temperate waters. Like with the blue marlin, sailfish of the Indian and Pacific oceans are much larger than those in the Atlantic. One of the unique characteristics of sailfish is that their coloration is capable of changing with their level of excitement. Typically, the sailfish “body is dark blue dorsally and white with brown spots ventrally. About 20 bars, each consisting of many light blue dots, are present on each side. The fins are all generally blackish blue.” (Florida Museum of Natural History) The sailfish’s primary diet consists of various cephalopods and bony fishes such as needlefish, mackerels, tunas, and jacks. Common Names of Sailfish (provided by ICCAT): Azores Islands: Atlantic sailfish Barbados: Sailfish Benin: Ajètè-abadanon Brazil: Agulhão-bandeira, Agulhão de vela Canada: Sailfish Cape Verde: Peixe-vela, Veleiro China: Côte d’Ivoire: Voilier Cuba: Aguja voladora, Aguja de abanico, Voladeira Denmark: Atlantisk sejlfisk Dominican Republic: Aguja Finland: Atlantinpurjekala France: Voilier de l’Atlantique Germany: Segelfisch Greece: Italy: Pesce vela Japan: Nishibashookajiki Korea: Dot-sae-chi Martinique: Voilier de l’Atlantique, Mere balaou Mexico: Pez vela, Volador Morocco: Espadon Netherlands Antilles: Balau wairu, Balau di bandera Norway: Atlantisk seilfisk Portugal: Espardarte veleiro, Peixe de vela Puerto Rico: Sailfish Russian Fed: Atlanticheskii parusnik, Parusnik-ryba Senegal: Espadon voilier South Africa: Seilvis, Sailfish Spain: Pez vela del Atlántico Trinidad y Tobago: Sailfish Uruguay: Pez vela United Kingdom: Atlantic sailfish United States of America: Atlantic sailfish Venezuela: Pez vela, Palagar Spearfish ( Tetrapturus pfluegeri , T. angustirostris, and T. belone ) – The spearfish is found throughout the world’s oceans in tropical and subtropical waters. The spearfish has a dorsal fin similar to that of the sailfish but lacks the sailfish’s dorsal height and length. Spearfish feed near the surface on small fish including dolphin, flying fish, and needlefish. Squid is also included in spearfish’s diet. Three species of spearfish have been found: the longbill spearfish ( Tetrapturus pfluegeri ) located in the northwest Atlantic from New Jersey to Venezuela, including the Gulf of Mexico(this is the most commonly referenced one) the shortbill spearfish ( T. angustirostris ) located in the Pacific and Indian Oceans; and the Mediterranean spearfish ( T. belone ) located in the Mediterranean Sea. Common Names for Longbill Spearfish (provided by ICCAT): Azores Islands: Longbill spearfish Benin: Ajètè, Adjètè Brazil: Agulhão estilete, Marlin-bicudo Cape Verde: Espadim-bicudo, Marlin-bicudo Cuba: Aguja Chinese Taipe i: 长吻旗鱼(Chang wen chi yu) Denmark: Langnæbbet spydfisk France: Makaire bécune Germany: Speerfisch, Langschnabliger Japan: Kuchinagafurai Martinique: Makaire à longue pectorale, Varé Mexico: Marlin trompa larga Netherland Antilles: Balau blanku Namibia: Langschnauziger Speerfisch, Langbek-speervis Norway: Spydfisk Portugal: Espadim bicudo, Marlin bicudo, Espadin aguia Russian Fed: Malyi kopénosets South Africa: Langbek-speervis, Longbill spearfish Spain: Aguja picuda, Romerillo, Saltón Sweden: Långnosad spjutfisk United Kingdom: Longbill spearfish United States of America: Longbill spearfish Uraguay: Marlín picudo Venezuela: Aguja corta, Aguja-palagar, Pez lanza, Voladora Common Names for the Mediterranean Spearfish (provided by ICCAT): Algeria: Auggia imbriale Croatia: Jaglun Denmark: Middelhavsspydfisk Finland: Marliini France: Marlin de Méditerranée, Poisson-pique Greece: , Marlinos mesogiou Italy: Aguglia imperiale, Aguglia pelerana, Ugulia imperiali Japan: Chichukaifuurai Malta: Imsella imperjali, Pastardella, Pixxispad Monaco: Aguglia impériale Norway: Middelhav-marlin Poland: Marlin sródziemnomorski Portugal: Espadim-do-Mediterrâneo Serbia-Montenegro: Barikuda Spain: Marlín del Mediterráneo Sweden: Medelhavsspjutfisk Turkey: Marlin baligi, Yelken baligi United Kingdom: Mediterranean spearfish United States of America: Mediterranean shortbill spearfish Common Names for Shortbill Spearfish (provided by ICCAT): China : 小旗鱼 Denmark: Kortnæbbet spydfisk Ecuador: Marlín Finland: Marliini France: Makaire à rostre court Germany: Speerfisch Hawaii: A’u Italy: Aguglia imperiale Japan: Fûraikajiki Mexico: Marlin trompa corta Mozambique: Espadim de focinto curto Oman: Kheil Papua N Guin: Bwagilum Portugal: Espadim de bico curto Russian Fed: Kop’jenosjets Samoa: Sa’ula Serbia: Iglokljun Somalia: Daanbeeri cadde South Africa: Kortbek-speervis Spain: Marlin trompa corta Sweden: Kortnosad spjutfisk Tanzania: Salisuli United States of America: Shortbill Spearfish Striped Marlin ( Kajikia audax )- Found in the Pacific and Indian oceans the striped marlin typically occupies cooler water than either black or blue marlin. The coloration of this highly migratory species is a dark blue or black dorsal surface fading to a silvery white and is transected laterally with cobalt stripes. The anterior dorsal fin is higher than the greatest depth and then recedes towards the posterior of the fish. The bill of the striped marlin is of medium size and the pectoral fins are more flexible than other species of billfish. Common Names of Striped Marlin (provided by ICCAT): Chile: Pez aguja Denmark: Spydfisk, Stribet marlin Ecuador: Marlín, Marlin rayado, Picudo gacho Fiji: Saku vorowaqa Finland: Juovamarliini Germany: Gestreifter marlin Italy: Pesce lancia striato Japan: Makajiki Malaysia: Mersuji, Mersuji tahil Mexico: Agujó, Marlin rayado Micronesia: Taguraar Netherlands: Gestreepte marlijn New Caledonia: Empereur, Marlin rayé New Zealand: Takeketonga Nicaragua: Marlin rayado Norway: Stripet marlin Oman: Kheil al bahar Papa N Guin: Bwagilum Peru: Merlín rayado Philippines: Dugso, Liplipan, Malasugi Poland: Marlin pasiasty Portugal: Espadim raiado Russian Fed: Polosatii marlin Samoa: Sa’ula Somalia: Daanbeeri cadde South Africa: Gestreepte marlin Sri Lanka: Habara, Haura, Iri koppara, Seraman koppara Sweden: Randig marlin, Strimmig spjutfisk Tanzania: Salisuli, Samsuli United States of America: Striped marlin Swordfish ( Xiphias gladius ) – The swordfish is one of the most adaptive of the various billfish species. It can be found throughout the world’s oceans and has the capability of standing the widest range of temperatures. Swordfish prefer warm water habitats but can also be found where the water temperature is right above freezing. While most other billfish fall under the taxonomical family “Istiophoridae,” the swordfish falls under the family “Xiphiidae.” The bill of the swordfish is longer compared proportionally to the size of its body than other billfish. Its dorsal fins and pectoral fins are rigid and broad while pelvic fins are entirely absent. The coloration is blackish brown on the dorsal side and only fades slightly to a lighter shade below. The swordfish typically preys upon cephalopods and pelagic fishes and the “sword” is used in the acquisition of food due to “slashes” found on remnants of stomach contents. Common Names of Swordfish (provided by ICCAT): Albania: Peshku shtize Algeria: Pez espada Angola: Agulha, Agulhão, Espadarte, Peixe-agulha Argentina: Pez espada Australia: Broadbill, Broadbill swordfish, Swordfish Azores: Swordfish, Agulhão, Espadarte Belgium: Swordfish Brazil: Aguilhão, Espadarte, Espadarte-meca, Meka, Peixe espada Can Br Colum: Swordfish Canada: Broadbill swordfish, Swordfish, Espadon Cape Verde: Espadarte, Furão, Peixe ferro , Peixe-ferro, Espadon, Espadão, Espadarte, Espadim-azul, Peixe- agulha Chile: Albacora, Pez espada China: Chien-chi-yu, Ki-hi-khu , Tinmankhu Cuba: Emperador, Pez espada Denmark: Sværdfisk Djibouti: Sword fish, Espadon Ecuador: Pez espada Estonia: Swordfish Faeroe Islands: Svørðfiskur Finland: Miekkakala Former USSR: Mech-ryba, Mechenos, Meshvenosouiye France: Espadon Germany: Schwertfisch Greece: Xifias, Xiphías Japan: Meka, Mekajiki Hawaii: Broad-bill sword-fish, A’u ku Iceland: Sverðfiskur India: Sword fish, Kunga, Tadmachhi, Mas-hibaru, Kuthirameen, Tadmasa Indonesia: Toda Todak Ireland: Swordfish, An colgán Italy: Pei spa, Pesce spada, Pesce spate, Pesse spada, Pisci spada, Pisci spata, Pisci spatu, Puddicinedda, Spadon, Spadottu, Spateddu Kiribati: Te rakuika, Te sakula Rep Korea: Whang-sae-chi Lebanon: Sankeh Libya: Abucef Madeira: Peixe-agulha Malta: Pixxispad, Spada Marshall Islands: Lokjan Martinique : Varé, Espadon Mauritania: Sword fish Espadon Poisson porte-épée Mauritius: Swordfish Espadon Mexico: Pez espada Mozambique: Espadarte Namibia: Swaardvis, Schwertfisch Netherlands: Zwaardvis New Zealand: Broadbill, Broadbill swordfish, Swordfish, Paea Nicaragua: Pez espada Niue: Swordfish, Haku Norway: Sverdfisk Oman: Kheil al bahar Papua N Guin: Broadbill swordfish, Swordfish Peru: Pez espada Philippines: Big-ho, Big-ho’, Bigo, Bigok, Dugso, Malasugi Malasugi, Malasugi, Dugho, Swordfish, Sibingan, Malasugi, Malasugue, Manumbuk, Palmbela, Dogso, Lumod, Malasugi, Mayas-pas Poland: Wlócznik Portugal: Agulha, Agulhao, Catana, Espada, Espadarte, Peixe agulha, Peixe espada, Peixe-agulha Romania: Peste cu spada, Peste-spada Seychelles: Swordfish, Espadron Slovenia: Meèarica Somalia: Daanbeeri South Africa: Swaardvis, Broadbill, Swordfish, Spain: Emperador, Aja para, Chichi spada, Espada, Espardarte, Pez espada Sri Lanka: Kadu kpooara St Helena: Swordfish Sweden: Svärdfisk Tahiti: Ha’ura Tanzania: Nduwalo, Sansuli Togo: Hatalikofi, Espadon Tuamoto Islands: Hakura Tunisia: Bou sif. Turkey: Kiliç baligi Ukraine: Mech–ryba United Kingdom (UK): Broadbill, Swordfish United States of America: Broadbill, Broadbill swordfish, Swordfish Venezuela: Pez espada Vietnam: Broadbill swordfish, Cá Mi kim, Ho cá mui kiem White Marlin ( Tetrapturus albidus ) – White marlin are found in deep tropical and warm temperate waters throughout the Atlantic Ocean including the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Western Mediterranean. They can be distinguished from other billfish by their rounded dorsal and anal fins. The maximum height of the largest lobe on the first dorsal fin is greater than the depth of the body. The coloration of the white marlin is a dorsal dark blue fading into a silver-white with brown spots. Spots also are present on the first dorsal fin of the fish. White marlin have a tendency to be very acrobatic while on a line and present a very strong fight for one of the smaller species of billfish. “The maximum length for the white marlin is 110 in (280 cm) and maximum weight is approximately 180 lbs and usually ranges from 51-83 inches in body length.” (Florida Museum of Natural History). White marlin overtakes their baitfish prey with speed rather than using their bills to slash and stun. Common Names of White Marlin (provided by ICCAT): Azores Islands: Espadim branco Barbados: White marlin Benin: Ajètè, Adjètè Brazil: Agulhão, Agulhão branco, Marlim branco Canada: White marlin, Makaire blanc Cape Verde: Espadim-branco do Atlântico China: 白色四鳍旗鱼 (Bái sè sì chi chi-yu) Côte d’Ivoire: Espadon Cuba: Aguja blanca Denmark: Hvid marlin Dominican Republic: Aguja blanca Finland: Valkomarliini France: Makaire blanc Germany: Weißer Marlin Greece: Marlinos Atlantikou Italy: Marlin bianco, Agguhia pilligrina Japan: Nishimakajiki Korea: Bag-sae-chi Martinique: Varé, Makaire blanc Mexico: Marlin blanco Morocco: Espadon Namibia: Weißer Marlin Netherlands Antilles: Balau Salmou, Balau kora Norway: Hvit spydfisk Portugal: Marlim-branco, Espadarte-branco Puerto Rico: White marlin Romania: Marlin alb Russian Fed.: Belyi marlin Senegal: Marlin blanc South Africa: White marlin, Wit marlin Spain: Aguja blanca, Marlin blanco Trinidad y Tobago: White marlin Uruguay: Marlin blanco United Kingdom: Atlantic white marlin United States of America: White marlin, Skilligalee Venezuela: Aguja blanca, Palagar In General Terms ­- The term “Billfish” refers to various predatory fish species typically belonging to the taxonomical family Istiophoridae. Their biological characteristics include a spear-like rostrum or “bill,” which is used for slashing at and stunning prey. The dorsal fin of these species runs along a large part of their body and narrow pelvic fins. Billfish can be found spread throughout the worlds oceans and are defined as highly migratory species but typically reside in tropical or sub-tropical waters. The prey of these apex predators differs from a variety of small fishes to crustaceans and cephalopods (i.e. squid). Further examination of the various billfish reveals the plethora of biological differences between species. Black Marlin ( Istiompax indica ) ­- The black marlin, primarily found in the Indian and Pacific oceans are primarily distinguished from other billfish by their rigid and broad pectoral fins as well as its comparatively diminished dorsal fin. The coloration of the black marlin is similar to other billfish with a dark blue dorsal side, which fades to silvery-white on the ventral side with faint blue stripes. “Males may reach a length of 4.65 m and weight of 750 kgs, but females are generally much larger.” (Marinebio.org) Black Marlin preferably feed on small tuna but also prey on dolphin, cuttlefish, squid, mackerel, and large crustaceans. Sometimes referred to as the “bull” of the Sea, the black marlin shows incredible strength and do not tire readily when caught. Blacks can be found in near-shore waters and around reefs but are found in scattered numbers in the open sea. Larger black marlin have been caught by anglers off the coast of Australia, Peru, Panama, and Mozambique. Common Names of Black Marlin (provided by ICCAT): Denmark: Sort marlin Ecuador: Merlín negro, Picudo, Picudo negro Fiji: Saku vorowaqa Finland: Mustamarliini India: Tonki, Tadamasa Italy: Marlin nero, Pesce lancia Japan: Kurokawa, Shirokajiki Malaysia: Ikan layer, Layaran, Mersuji, Mersuji hitam, Puoh hu, Suji, Tumbuk banir Martinique: Varé Mexico: Marlin negro Micronesia: Taguraar Netherlands: Zwarte marlijn New Zealand: Taketonga Nicaragua: Aguja negra Norway: Svart marlin Oman: Kheil al bahar Papa New Guinea: Bwagilium Philippines: Tandalayang, Malasugi, Dol-lakak, Malakay, Malasugue Portugal: Espadim, Espadim negro, Espadim petro Russian Fed: Sere bristyi marlin Samoa: Sa’ula-oso Somalia: Daanbeeri South Africa: Swart marlin Sri Lanka: Ahin kopparsa, Dhappara, Ghappara, Kalu koppara, Makara, Saparava United States of America: Black marlin Blue Marlin ( Makaira nigricans & Makaira mazara ) – Blue Marlin are found throughout the worlds oceans in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters. The blue marlin is notably the largest of billfish species. Blue marlin are characterized by a cylindrical body shape, two dorsal fins (one with a steep slope and one smaller toward the posterior of the organism), and unlike the black marlin the pectoral fins are not rigid. They are named for their cobalt blue dorsal coloration, which fades into a silvery white. The keels on the caudal peduncle on the blue marlin make it an exceptionally strong and fast swimmer, a trait attractive to many anglers. There are actually two subspecies of blue marlin, Makaira nigricans & Makaira mazara . Makaira nigricans resides in the Atlantic while Makaira mazara resides in the Indian and Pacific oceans. Those in the Pacific and Indian oceans tend to be larger than those in the Atlantic. While the blue marlin is one of the most sought after species by recreational anglers it is not as abundant as other billfish. Primarily near-surface pelagic fishes such as mackerels, tunas, and dolphin are preyed upon by the blue marlin. Blue marlin are distinguished from black marlin ( Makaira indica ) by the non-rigid pectoral fin and the presence of blue bars displayed along the body. The lower dorsal fin height of blue marlin distinguishes it from striped marlin ( Tetrapturus audax ), whose dorsal fin height is equal to its body depth. Common Names of Blue Marlin (provided by ICCAT): Azores Islands: Espadim azul Barbados: Marlin Benin: Ajètè, Adjètè Brazil: Agulhão preto, Agulhão, Marlim-azul Canada: Makaire bleu Cape Verde: Espadim-azul, Espadarte, Blue marlin Côte d’Ivoire: Espadon Cuba: Aguja casta, Abanico, Voladora Denmark: Atlantisk blå marlin Dominican Republic: Aguja azul, Marlin azul Finland: Sinimarliini France: Makaire bleu Germany: Blauer Marlin Italy: Marlin azzurro, Marlin blu Japan: Nishikurokajiki Korea: Nog-sae-chi Martinique: Makaire bleu, Varé Mexico: Marlín azul Morocco: Espadon Namibia: Blou marlyn Netherlands Antilles: Balau blanku Norway: Blå marlin Portugal: Espadim-azul, Espadarte-sombra Puerto Rico: Blue marlin Romania: Marlin albastru South Africa: Blou marlin Spain: Marlin azul Trinidad y Tobago: Maman-balatre, Blue marlin Uruguay: Marlin azul United Kingdom: Atlantic blue marlin United States of America: Atlantic blue marlin Venezuela: Aguja azul, Marlin azul Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus and Istiophorus albicans) – Sailfish are one of the most iconic billfish easily recognizable by their extremely large and colorful dorsal fins. Found throughout the world, sailfish are divided into two subspecies, Istiophorus platypterus and Istiophorus albicans . Istiophorus platypterus is located in the Pacific and Indian oceanswhile Istiophorus albicans reside in the Atlantic in both tropical and temperate waters. Like with the blue marlin, sailfish of the Indian and Pacific oceans are much larger than those in the Atlantic. One of the unique characteristics of sailfish is that their coloration is capable of changing with their level of excitement. Typically, the sailfish “body is dark blue dorsally and white with brown spots ventrally. About 20 bars, each consisting of many light blue dots, are present on each side. The fins are all generally blackish blue.” (Florida Museum of Natural History) The sailfish’s primary diet consists of various cephalopods and bony fishes such as needlefish, mackerels, tunas, and jacks. Common Names of Sailfish (provided by ICCAT): Azores Islands: Atlantic sailfish Barbados: Sailfish Benin: Ajètè-abadanon Brazil: Agulhão-bandeira, Agulhão de vela Canada: Sailfish Cape Verde: Peixe-vela, Veleiro China: Côte d’Ivoire: Voilier Cuba: Aguja voladora, Aguja de abanico, Voladeira Denmark: Atlantisk sejlfisk Dominican Republic: Aguja Finland: Atlantinpurjekala France: Voilier de l’Atlantique Germany: Segelfisch Greece: Italy: Pesce vela Japan: Nishibashookajiki Korea: Dot-sae-chi Martinique: Voilier de l’Atlantique, Mere balaou Mexico: Pez vela, Volador Morocco: Espadon Netherlands Antilles: Balau wairu, Balau di bandera Norway: Atlantisk seilfisk Portugal: Espardarte veleiro, Peixe de vela Puerto Rico: Sailfish Russian Fed: Atlanticheskii parusnik, Parusnik-ryba Senegal: Espadon voilier South Africa: Seilvis, Sailfish Spain: Pez vela del Atlántico Trinidad y Tobago: Sailfish Uruguay: Pez vela United Kingdom: Atlantic sailfish United States of America: Atlantic sailfish Venezuela: Pez vela, Palagar Spearfish ( Tetrapturus pfluegeri , T. angustirostris, and T. belone ) – The spearfish is found throughout the world’s oceans in tropical and subtropical waters. The spearfish has a dorsal fin similar to that of the sailfish but lacks the sailfish’s dorsal height and length. Spearfish feed near the surface on small fish including dolphin, flying fish, and needlefish. Squid is also included in spearfish’s diet. Three species of spearfish have been found: the longbill spearfish ( Tetrapturus pfluegeri ) located in the northwest Atlantic from New Jersey to Venezuela, including the Gulf of Mexico(this is the most commonly referenced one) the shortbill spearfish ( T. angustirostris ) located in the Pacific and Indian Oceans; and the Mediterranean spearfish ( T. belone ) located in the Mediterranean Sea. Common Names for Longbill Spearfish (provided by ICCAT): Azores Islands: Longbill spearfish Benin: Ajètè, Adjètè Brazil: Agulhão estilete, Marlin-bicudo Cape Verde: Espadim-bicudo, Marlin-bicudo Cuba: Aguja Chinese Taipe i: 长吻旗鱼(Chang wen chi yu) Denmark: Langnæbbet spydfisk France: Makaire bécune Germany: Speerfisch, Langschnabliger Japan: Kuchinagafurai Martinique: Makaire à longue pectorale, Varé Mexico: Marlin trompa larga Netherland Antilles: Balau blanku Namibia: Langschnauziger Speerfisch, Langbek-speervis Norway: Spydfisk Portugal: Espadim bicudo, Marlin bicudo, Espadin aguia Russian Fed: Malyi kopénosets South Africa: Langbek-speervis, Longbill spearfish Spain: Aguja picuda, Romerillo, Saltón Sweden: Långnosad spjutfisk United Kingdom: Longbill spearfish United States of America: Longbill spearfish Uraguay: Marlín picudo Venezuela: Aguja corta, Aguja-palagar, Pez lanza, Voladora Common Names for the Mediterranean Spearfish (provided by ICCAT): Algeria: Auggia imbriale Croatia: Jaglun Denmark: Middelhavsspydfisk Finland: Marliini France: Marlin de Méditerranée, Poisson-pique Greece: , Marlinos mesogiou Italy: Aguglia imperiale, Aguglia pelerana, Ugulia imperiali Japan: Chichukaifuurai Malta: Imsella imperjali, Pastardella, Pixxispad Monaco: Aguglia impériale Norway: Middelhav-marlin Poland: Marlin sródziemnomorski Portugal: Espadim-do-Mediterrâneo Serbia-Montenegro: Barikuda Spain: Marlín del Mediterráneo Sweden: Medelhavsspjutfisk Turkey: Marlin baligi, Yelken baligi United Kingdom: Mediterranean spearfish United States of America: Mediterranean shortbill spearfish Common Names for Shortbill Spearfish (provided by ICCAT): China : 小旗鱼 Denmark: Kortnæbbet spydfisk Ecuador: Marlín Finland: Marliini France: Makaire à rostre court Germany: Speerfisch Hawaii: A’u Italy: Aguglia imperiale Japan: Fûraikajiki Mexico: Marlin trompa corta Mozambique: Espadim de focinto curto Oman: Kheil Papua N Guin: Bwagilum Portugal: Espadim de bico curto Russian Fed: Kop’jenosjets Samoa: Sa’ula Serbia: Iglokljun Somalia: Daanbeeri cadde South Africa: Kortbek-speervis Spain: Marlin trompa corta Sweden: Kortnosad spjutfisk Tanzania: Salisuli United States of America: Shortbill Spearfish Striped Marlin ( Kajikia audax )- Found in the Pacific and Indian oceans the striped marlin typically occupies cooler water than either black or blue marlin. The coloration of this highly migratory species is a dark blue or black dorsal surface fading to a silvery white and is transected laterally with cobalt stripes. The anterior dorsal fin is higher than the greatest depth and then recedes towards the posterior of the fish. The bill of the striped marlin is of medium size and the pectoral fins are more flexible than other species of billfish. Common Names of Striped Marlin (provided by ICCAT): Chile: Pez aguja Denmark: Spydfisk, Stribet marlin Ecuador: Marlín, Marlin rayado, Picudo gacho Fiji: Saku vorowaqa Finland: Juovamarliini Germany: Gestreifter marlin Italy: Pesce lancia striato Japan: Makajiki Malaysia: Mersuji, Mersuji tahil Mexico: Agujó, Marlin rayado Micronesia: Taguraar Netherlands: Gestreepte marlijn New Caledonia: Empereur, Marlin rayé New Zealand: Takeketonga Nicaragua: Marlin rayado Norway: Stripet marlin Oman: Kheil al bahar Papa N Guin: Bwagilum Peru: Merlín rayado Philippines: Dugso, Liplipan, Malasugi Poland: Marlin pasiasty Portugal: Espadim raiado Russian Fed: Polosatii marlin Samoa: Sa’ula Somalia: Daanbeeri cadde South Africa: Gestreepte marlin Sri Lanka: Habara, Haura, Iri koppara, Seraman koppara Sweden: Randig marlin, Strimmig spjutfisk Tanzania: Salisuli, Samsuli United States of America: Striped marlin

Swordfish ( Xiphias gladius ) – The swordfish is one of the most adaptive of the various billfish species. It can be found throughout the world’s oceans and has the capability of standing the widest range of temperatures. Swordfish prefer warm water habitats but can also be found where the water temperature is right above freezing. While most other billfish fall under the taxonomical family “Istiophoridae,” the swordfish falls under the family “Xiphiidae.” The bill of the swordfish is longer compared proportionally to the size of its body than other billfish. Its dorsal fins and pectoral fins are rigid and broad while pelvic fins are entirely absent. The coloration is blackish brown on the dorsal side and only fades slightly to a lighter shade below. The swordfish typically preys upon cephalopods and pelagic fishes and the “sword” is used in the acquisition of food due to “slashes” found on remnants of stomach contents. Common Names of Swordfish (provided by ICCAT): Albania: Peshku shtize Algeria: Pez espada Angola: Agulha, Agulhão, Espadarte, Peixe-agulha Argentina: Pez espada Australia: Broadbill, Broadbill swordfish, Swordfish Azores: Swordfish, Agulhão, Espadarte Belgium: Swordfish Brazil: Aguilhão, Espadarte, Espadarte-meca, Meka, Peixe espada Can Br Colum: Swordfish Canada: Broadbill swordfish, Swordfish, Espadon Cape Verde: Espadarte, Furão, Peixe ferro , Peixe-ferro, Espadon, Espadão, Espadarte, Espadim-azul, Peixe- agulha Chile: Albacora, Pez espada China: Chien-chi-yu, Ki-hi-khu , Tinmankhu Cuba: Emperador, Pez espada Denmark: Sværdfisk Djibouti: Sword fish, Espadon Ecuador: Pez espada Estonia: Swordfish Faeroe Islands: Svørðfiskur Finland: Miekkakala Former USSR: Mech-ryba, Mechenos, Meshvenosouiye France: Espadon Germany: Schwertfisch Greece: Xifias, Xiphías Japan: Meka, Mekajiki Hawaii: Broad-bill sword-fish, A’u ku Iceland: Sverðfiskur India: Sword fish, Kunga, Tadmachhi, Mas-hibaru, Kuthirameen, Tadmasa Indonesia: Toda Todak Ireland: Swordfish, An colgán Italy: Pei spa, Pesce spada, Pesce spate, Pesse spada, Pisci spada, Pisci spata, Pisci spatu, Puddicinedda, Spadon, Spadottu, Spateddu Kiribati: Te rakuika, Te sakula Rep Korea: Whang-sae-chi Lebanon: Sankeh Libya: Abucef Madeira: Peixe-agulha Malta: Pixxispad, Spada Marshall Islands: Lokjan Martinique : Varé, Espadon Mauritania: Sword fish Espadon Poisson porte-épée Mauritius: Swordfish Espadon Mexico: Pez espada Mozambique: Espadarte Namibia: Swaardvis, Schwertfisch Netherlands: Zwaardvis New Zealand: Broadbill, Broadbill swordfish, Swordfish, Paea Nicaragua: Pez espada Niue: Swordfish, Haku Norway: Sverdfisk Oman: Kheil al bahar Papua N Guin: Broadbill swordfish, Swordfish Peru: Pez espada Philippines: Big-ho, Big-ho’, Bigo, Bigok, Dugso, Malasugi Malasugi, Malasugi, Dugho, Swordfish, Sibingan, Malasugi, Malasugue, Manumbuk, Palmbela, Dogso, Lumod, Malasugi, Mayas-pas Poland: Wlócznik Portugal: Agulha, Agulhao, Catana, Espada, Espadarte, Peixe agulha, Peixe espada, Peixe-agulha Romania: Peste cu spada, Peste-spada Seychelles: Swordfish, Espadron Slovenia: Meèarica Somalia: Daanbeeri South Africa: Swaardvis, Broadbill, Swordfish, Spain: Emperador, Aja para, Chichi spada, Espada, Espardarte, Pez espada Sri Lanka: Kadu kpooara St Helena: Swordfish Sweden: Svärdfisk Tahiti: Ha’ura Tanzania: Nduwalo, Sansuli Togo: Hatalikofi, Espadon Tuamoto Islands: Hakura Tunisia: Bou sif. Turkey: Kiliç baligi Ukraine: Mech–ryba United Kingdom (UK): Broadbill, Swordfish United States of America: Broadbill, Broadbill swordfish, Swordfish Venezuela: Pez espada Vietnam: Broadbill swordfish, Cá Mi kim, Ho cá mui kiem White Marlin ( Tetrapturus albidus ) – White marlin are found in deep tropical and warm temperate waters throughout the Atlantic Ocean including the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Western Mediterranean. They can be distinguished from other billfish by their rounded dorsal and anal fins. The maximum height of the largest lobe on the first dorsal fin is greater than the depth of the body. The coloration of the white marlin is a dorsal dark blue fading into a silver-white with brown spots. Spots also are present on the first dorsal fin of the fish. White marlin have a tendency to be very acrobatic while on a line and present a very strong fight for one of the smaller species of billfish. “The maximum length for the white marlin is 110 in (280 cm) and maximum weight is approximately 180 lbs and usually ranges from 51-83 inches in body length.” (Florida Museum of Natural History). White marlin overtakes their baitfish prey with speed rather than using their bills to slash and stun. Common Names of White Marlin (provided by ICCAT): Azores Islands: Espadim branco Barbados: White marlin Benin: Ajètè, Adjètè Brazil: Agulhão, Agulhão branco, Marlim branco Canada: White marlin, Makaire blanc Cape Verde: Espadim-branco do Atlântico China: 白色四鳍旗鱼 (Bái sè sì chi chi-yu) Côte d’Ivoire: Espadon Cuba: Aguja blanca Denmark: Hvid marlin Dominican Republic: Aguja blanca Finland: Valkomarliini France: Makaire blanc Germany: Weißer Marlin Greece: Marlinos Atlantikou Italy: Marlin bianco, Agguhia pilligrina Japan: Nishimakajiki Korea: Bag-sae-chi Martinique: Varé, Makaire blanc Mexico: Marlin blanco Morocco: Espadon Namibia: Weißer Marlin Netherlands Antilles: Balau Salmou, Balau kora Norway: Hvit spydfisk Portugal: Marlim-branco, Espadarte-branco Puerto Rico: White marlin Romania: Marlin alb Russian Fed.: Belyi marlin Senegal: Marlin blanc South Africa: White marlin, Wit marlin Spain: Aguja blanca, Marlin blanco Trinidad y Tobago: White marlin Uruguay: Marlin blanco United Kingdom: Atlantic white marlin United States of America: White marlin, Skilligalee Venezuela: Aguja blanca, Palagar Get up to date information on events, news, and research on a constant basis. 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