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Billfish - Istiophoridae
Family BILLFISHES
Description: Color cobalt blue on top shading to silvery white on bottom; upper jaw elongated in form of a spear; dorsal fin pointed at front end; pectoral fin and anal fin pointed; lateral line reticulated (interwoven like a net), difficult to see in large specimens; no dark spots on dorsal fin; body covered with imbedded scales ending in one or two sharp points
Similar fish: White marlin, T albidus (white has rounded dorsal at front end, rounded tip of pectoral and anal fins, and spots on the dorsal fin).
Where found: OFFSHORE, a bluewater fish.
Size: Largest of the Atlantic marlins, common to 11 feet.
Remarks: All of trophy size are females; males do not exceed 300 pounds; make trans-Atlantic migrations; spawning procedures unknown; feeds on squid and pelagic fishes, including blackfin tuna and frigate mackerel.
Florida record: 1046 lbs.
Regulations:
Size Limit: Sailfish 63". - Blue Marlin 99". - White Marlin 66".
Season:
Bag Limit: 1 per person per day aggregate Bag Limit
Comments: Species includes Marlin Spearfish and Sailfish. Illegal to buy or sell. Federal size limits apply. Hook and line only.
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (heads and tails intact)
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