Billfishes, marlins and sailfishes are the common names for the members of the Istiophoridae family. The family members are distinguished by their upper jaw which prolonged into a long spear and round in cross-section. Their caudal fin are large and forked, with a pair of keels on either side at base, and a small shallow notch on both upper and lower profiles of caudal peduncle. Both their first dorsal fin and anal fins can be folded back into grooves.
Members of the Istiophoridae are found in the tropical and subtropical seas around the world. There are 5 genera and 11 species worldwide. In Malaysia there are 3 genera and 5 species.
Billfishes are among the largest and swiftest fishes of the oceans, mostly found near the surface of waters. They are long distance migratory fishes. They are carnivorous fish, and feed commonly on other schooling fishes, crustaceans and squids. They are excellent game fishes and frequently caught using drifting bait.
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Scientific Name: Istiompax indica (Cuvier, 1832) English Name: Black Marlin Mandarin Name | 鱼类中文名: 黑旗鱼 (Hēi qí yú), 马林鱼 (Mǎ lín yú) Local Malay Name: Ikan Mersuji, Tumbuk Banir, Mersuji Hitam Main Diagnostic Features: A pair of keels on caudal peduncle. Height of first dorsal fin shorter than highest body depth. Pectoral fins rigid. Second dorsal fin anterior to second anal fin. Size: Maximum total length about 4.5 m. Maximum body weight about 700 kg.  Scientific Name: Istiophorus platypterus (Shaw, 1792) English Name: Indo-Pacific Sailfish Mandarin Name | 鱼类中文名: 雨伞旗鱼 (Yǔsǎn qí yú), 雨伞马林, (Yǔsǎn mǎ lín), 东方旗鱼 (Dōngfāng qí yú) Local Malay Name: Mersuji, Ikan Layaran, Layaran Pasifik Main Diagnostic Features: Sail-like dorsal fin. Size: Maximum total length about 3.5 m. Maximum body weight about 100 kg.   Click button below to see more species info and photo.  Common Name: Striped Marlin Scientific Name: Kajikia audax (Philippi, 1887) Synonym: Tetrapturus audax (Philippi, 1887) Mandarin Name | 鱼类中文名: 红肉旗鱼 (Hóng ròu qí yú),箕作枪鱼 (Jīzuò qiāng yú), 马林鱼 (Mǎ lín yú) Local Malay Name: Ikan Marlin, Mersuji Tahil Main Diagnostic Features: Nape fairly elevated. Height of first dorsal fin higher than highest body depth. A pair of keels on caudal peduncle. Pectoral fins falcate and flexible. Flanks with cobalt/bluish stripes. 1st dorsal fin dark blue, other fins dark brown, and anal fin bases with a tinge of silvery white. Size: Maximum total length about 3.5 m; body weight to about 200 kg.  Click button below to see more species info and photo.
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