To four and a half metres and more. A cosmopolitan oceanic species, more abundant in temperate than tropical seas which is found throughout our area. The long flat sword, short dorsal fin and the single keel near the tail fin immediately distinguish this species from marlins. Colour is dark blue and silver, often with a bronze flush which may obscure the basic colour pattern or change the blue to a purplish shade. Other fishes, sometimes of considerable size, are taken as food. Although New Zealand anglers have a long history of broadbill captures, these were infrequent until a decade ago when American techniques using light-sticks were tried here. They were immediately successful and broadbill are now taken on a regular basis. Broadbill of over 200 kilos have been recorded in recent years.

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