Istiophoridae (marlin, sailfish, spear-fish; subclass Actinopterygii, order Perciformes) A small family of marine fish that have strongly streamlined bodies, a long bill (upper jaw), and a high dorsal fin, which is even more accentuated in the sailfish. When swimming, the long-based dorsal fin is folded down into a special groove at the back. The deeply forked tail fin has very long dorsal and ventral lobes. Makaira nigricans (blue marlin) can grow to about 5 m; Istiophorus platypterus (sailfish) grows to about 2.5 m. There are about 10 species, distributed world-wide in tropical to subtropical seas.

mar·lin / ˈmärlən/ • n. a large edible billfish (genera Makaira and Tetrapterus) of warm seas. Several species include the striped marlin (T. audax).

marlin Any of several species of large marine fish found in warm waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, especially the blue marlin (Makaira mitsukurii); it is often fished for sport. The marlin is blue with a coppery tint and violet side markings. The fins and long snout are sharply pointed. Length: to 8m (26ft); weight: 635kg (1400lb). Family Istiophoridae.

marlin See ISTIOPHORIDAE.