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NZ Fish Species: Billfish

Billfish | Freshwater | Saltwater | Sharks | Tuna |


Blue marlin
 

One of the largest of the marlins, blues are a sought after summer visitor in New Zealand's primarily striped marlin fishery. The easiest diagnostic difference between NZ's large striped marlin and blue marlin is that the blue has a dorsal fin one half to two-thirds the body depth at that point, where the striped marlin has a dorsal fin height about the same as its body depth. Blue marlin are primarily caught around the north eastern NZ coasts in high summer (February-March), these fish average around 200kg, with the largest rod-and-reel capture listed at 461.3kg. Captures of these powerful and dynamic fish have increased in recent seasons, with more boats working further offshore in the blue marlin's favoured deep water habitat. Trolling large skirted lures is the usual fishing technique.

Other types of Billfish:
Black marlin | Blue marlin | Broadbill swordfish | Striped marlin |


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