Marlins

Marlins are large billfish native to tropical and temperate oceans. In common usage, the term refers to several species in the family Istiophoridae, including blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, and white marlin. They are characterized by an elongated body, a long spear-like rostrum, a tall dorsal fin, and a deeply forked tail. Marlins are among the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of short, high-speed bursts that aid in catching prey and evading predators. They inhabit warm surface waters, often around currents, eddies, and seamounts, and are highly migratory, covering large distances across ocean basins. Their diet consists mainly of smaller fish and squid.

Reproduction occurs through broadcast spawning in the open ocean; eggs and larvae drift with currents. Growth and maturity vary by species, with some attaining several meters in length and hundreds of kilograms in weight.

Conservation status varies by species and stock. Some populations have been affected by overfishing and bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries. International and regional management efforts seek to regulate harvest, reduce bycatch, and protect critical habitats.

The term Marlins also denotes the Miami Marlins, a Major League Baseball team based in Miami, Florida. Founded in 1993 as the Florida Marlins, the franchise adopted the Miami Marlins name in 2012 with the opening of a new ballpark. They compete in the National League East division and have won two World Series titles (1997 and 2003).