64 



DIVISION OP PISH AND GAME 



STRIPED MARLIN 

 Makaira mitsukurii 



Relationship: A member of the spearfish family, Istiophoridae. A number of 

 other species are found in different parts of the world and some ichthyologists believe 

 that several kinds occur in California. The sailfish belongs to the same family. 



Distinguishing Characters: The prolonged upper jaw with the "sword" 

 rounded rather than flattened and sharp-edged as it is in the broadbill swordfish ; the 

 long first dorsal fin which extends almost the entire length of the back ; the presence of 

 ventral fins; the two small keels on either side of the base of the tail. Size: In 1947, 

 the average weight of marlin caught off Southern California was about 150 pounds. 

 The record fish for rod-and-reel, caught in 1931, weighed 692 pounds and was 18 feet 

 five inches long. Color: Purplish blue above shading into silvery below, the back 

 crossed with about 15 vertical light blue stripes. 



Distribution: Pt. Conception south into Mexico. Thought to be the .same species 

 as is found off Japan and Hawaii. 



Fishing Season: From June or July to November or December. 



Importance: A highly prized game fish but not the object of a heavy sport fishery 

 because of the high cost of private boat charter and specialized fishing tackle. Illegal 

 to buy or sell since 1937. 



Fishing Gear: May be taken only with hook and line. 



Unauthorized Names: Swordfish, spearfish, spikefish, sailfish. 



