Istiophoridae - Marlins

Marlins are fish from the family Istiophoridae, which includes about 10 species. A marlin has an elongated body, a spear-like snout or bill, and a long, rigid dorsal fin which extends forward to form a crest. Marlins are among the fastest marine swimmers, reaching 110 km/h (68 mph) in short bursts. However, greatly exaggerated speeds are often claimed in popular literature, based on unreliable or outdated reports.

The larger species include the Atlantic blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, which can reach 5 m (16.4 ft) in length and 818 kg (1,803 lb) in weight and the black marlin, Istiompax indica, which can reach in excess of 5 m (16.4 ft) in length and 670 kg (1,480 lb) in weight. They are popular sporting fish in tropical areas. The Atlantic blue marlin and the White marlin are endangered owing to overfishing.

Generas and species

Istiompax 
Black marlin (Istiompax indica)

Istiophorus
Atlantic sailfish (Istiophorus albicans).
Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus  platypterus)

Makaira
Atlantic blue marlin (Makaira nigricans)
Indo-Pacific blue marlin (Makaira mazara)

Kajikia
White marlin (Kajikia albida)
Striped marlin (Kajikia audax)

Tetrapturus
Shortbill spearfish (Tetrapturus angustirostris)
Mediterranean spearfish (Tetrapturus belone)
Roundscale spearfish (Tetrapturus georgii)
Longbill spearfish (Tetrapturus pfluegeri)