It has the elongate, rounded snout common to all members of the family Istiophoridae, with which it is thought to stun prey such as schooling fishes and squid.
Blue marlins are among the fastest of all fishes and have perfectly streamlined bodies and the high, crescent-shaped tails characteristic of the high-speed species. They make regular seasonal migrations, moving toward the equator in winter and away again in summer.
Like all the other fishes in the family Istiophoridae, the Blue Marlin is a very fast swimmer. Its food consists of tunas and other fishes. Less important food items include squids and large crustaceans. Analysis of stomach contents indicate that the Blue Marlin uses its bill to slash prey before it is swallowed.
The Blue Marlin is found throughout tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.
In Australia Blue Marlin are recorded from most tropical and subtropical marine waters.
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