Author: (Jordan & Snyder, 1901)
FBname: Indo-Pacific blue marlin
Remark: This species is synonym of <i>Makaira nigricans</i> Lacepède, 1802 in Eschmeyer (CofF ver. Jan. 2012: Ref. 89336) following Collette <i>et al.</i> (2006) and Bray <i>et al.</i> (2006).  The species page will be removed.
Comments: Epipelagic and oceanic species mostly confined to the waters on the warmer side of the 24°C surface isotherm and known to effect seasonal north-south migrations.  Not usually seen close to land masses or islands, unless there is a deep drop-off of the shelf.  Remain mostly within the upper 37 m.  Believed to form small-scale schools of at most 10 individuals.  Larger fish tend to swim solitarily (Ref. 43) but smaller ones form schools of about 10 individuals (Ref. 9987).  Feed on squids, tuna-like fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods (Ref. 9308).  Also caught with troll lines (Ref. 9308).  The flesh is of good quality and is marketed frozen and prepared as sashimi and sausages in Japan (Ref. 9308); also utilized fresh (Ref. 9987).  Also Ref. 9692.