Figure 8. Striped marlin jumping close to boat after being hooked by native 

 fisherman ofi^^ the coast of Ecuador. 



surface temperatures were lowest. Surface temperatures during the angling 

 operations ranged from 16.2 to 20 degrees Centigrade. 



The only other specimen of striped marlin studied during the expedition 

 was a small female 85 pounds in weight, and 1955 mm. in length, captured 

 off La Plata Island, Ecuador, on October 6. The size and condition of the 

 ovaries indicated that this specimen was probably immature. 



Examination of the stomach contents of the striped marlin studied in 

 Chilean waters, showed that these fish were feeding almost exclusively on 

 squid. 



Although only 3 striped marlin were sighted (none taken) during the 

 angling operations off northern Peru (July 24 through September 10) 

 interviews with local commercial fishermen and anglers familiar with the 

 area indicate that these fish are much more abundant during the summer 

 months comprising December through June. In connection with this, it is 

 interesting to note that although striped marlin are taken in Chilean waters 

 practically the year round, the species is much less abundant during the 

 winter months (late June through September). During the expedition's 

 angling operations in Chilean waters 284 individuals were sighted and 34 

 landed during the 35 day period comprising April 27 through May 31. 

 whereas only 77 were sighted and 1 1 landed during the 36 day period 

 comprising June 1 through July 6. The abundance of fish definitely de- 

 creased with the approach of winter and the lowering of the water tem- 

 perature. Striped marlin are called "pez aguja" by the Chileans. 



As already indicated no black marlin were seen in Chilean waters and 



• 21 



