Correctly Identifying a species

[Guest]

[admin]

Hi all

This topic has been introduced to the forum to help show and illustrate to new members defining features of the Striped, Black, and blue Marlin.

We would like to invite members in the posting of any helpful and relevant information that they also would like to add

 Introducing first to the topic is the Striped Marlin

[admin]

                                   
                                                                                      STRIPED MARLIN 

  STRIPED_pics.pdf (351.2 KB - downloaded 75 times.)         STRIPED_MARLIN_INFO.pdf (1650.25 KB - downloaded 86 times.)


 
                                                                 

   A Striped Marlin just before being released         

[Reel Smoka]

The simplest way of identifying a Striped Marlin is by it's clearly visible laeral line as opposed to the Blue Marlin which it's commonly confused with. The Dorsal fin usually equals or exceeds it's body depth and the Striped Marlin has a longer lower jaw than both the Blue & Black Marlin. Another distinguishing feature is that the Striped Marlin can fold it's pectoral fin flush against it's body unlike the Black Marlin which due to calcification has permanantly erect pectorals. Last but not least if you have time boatside you should be able to count anywhere between 12 to 20 light blue/lavender stripes along it's body. If all else fails take a good pic and show it to someone at the club although that may also cause confusion

Bart

[changa]

I think the biggest confusion lies between somewhat skinny or lean blues against some more hefty or thicker stripes.
I slight nick of the flesh either above the eye or similar will reveal the flesh colour.
As Stripes are the only Marlin with orange flesh, its a no brainer IF YOU WANT TO BE 100% without having to kill a fish.

changa