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Tetrapturus audax

(Barred Marlin, Beak, Beakie, Marlin, New Zealand Marlin, Pacific Striped Marlin, Spearfish, Spikefish, Striped Marlin, Striped Swordfish, Stripey)

Conservation Status

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Threats:

    Also caught with the harpoon. The flesh is the best among billfishes for sashimi and sushi. Marketed mostly frozen, sometimes fresh[1]; also smoked and frozen[2].

Taxonomy

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  • Domain: Eukaryota Whittaker & Margulis,1978 - eukaryotes
    • Kingdom: Animalia Linnaeus, 1758 - Linnaeus, 1758 - animals
      • Subkingdom: Bilateria (Hatschek, 1888) Cavalier-Smith, 1983 - (Hatschek, 1888) Cavalier-Smith, 1983 - bilaterians
        • Branch: Deuterostomia Grobben, 1908 - Deuterostomes
          • Infrakingdom: Chordonia (Haeckel, 1874) Cavalier-Smith, 1998
            • Phylum: Chordata Bateson, 1885 - Chordates

Unambiguous Synonyms:

  1. Histiophorus audax Philippi, 1887
  2. Istiophorus audax (Philippi, 1887)
  3. Kajikia formosana Hirasaka & Nakamura, 1947
  4. Kajikia mitsukurii (Jordan & Snyder, 1901)
  5. Makaira audax (Philippi, 1887)
  6. Makaira audax subsp. zelandica Jordan & Evermann, 1926
  7. Makaira formosana (Hirasaka & Nakamura, 1947)
  8. Makaira holei Jordan & Evermann, 1926
  9. Makaira mitsukurii (Jordan & Snyder, 1901)
  10. Makaira tenuirostratus (Deraniyagala, 1951)
  11. Makaira zelandica Jordan & Evermann, 1926
  12. Makairaf grammatica Jordan & Evermann, 1926
  13. Marlina audax (Philippi, 1887)
  14. Marlina jauffreti Smith, 1956
  15. Marlina mitsukurii (Jordan & Snyder, 1901)
  16. Marlina zelandica (Jordan & Evermann, 1926)
  17. Tetrapterus audax (Philippi, 1887)
  18. Tetrapturus acutirostratus Deraniyagala, 1952
  19. Tetrapturus ectenes Jordan & Evermann, 1926
  20. Tetrapturus mitsukurii Jordan & Snyder, 1901
  21. Tetrapturus tenuirostratus Deraniyagala, 1951

Notes:

Name Status: Accepted Name. Latest taxonomic scrutiny: Data last modified by FishBase 07-Mar-1995

Physical Description

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Family Istiophoridae:

Distribution: most tropical and subtropical waters. Premaxilla and nasal bones produced, forming a spear-like bill or rostrum with a rounded cross-section. Gill membranes not united to isthmus. Very narrow pelvic fins. Jaw teeth present. Two keels on each side of caudal peduncle in adults. Dorsal fin extending over much of body length; sometimes resembling a sail. Dorsal fin can be depresssed into a groove. Lateral line persists in life. Vertebrae 24. Maximum length 4 m. Bill used for stunning prey fish. The morphological adaptations required for maintaining high brain and retinal temperatures are discussed in Brock et al. 1993 Science 260:210-214. Very popular as game fish.

The family Istiophoridae belongs to the Class Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) and the Order Perciformes. It contains 3 genera and 11 species. It may be found in Marine environments and is primarily Marine. Members of this family are not used in the aquarium trade. Reproductively, most members of this family are nonguarders. The main mode of swimming of adult fish in this family is thunniform. Compared with other fish, the activity level of this family tends to be very active. Members of this family have been dated back to the Cretaceous period. Etymology of this family name: Greek, istion = sail + Greek, pherein = to carry

Images:

Distribution

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Aquatic Regions

Indo-Pacific: tropical, subtropical and temperate waters. Highly migratory species, Annex I of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea[3].The distribution in the Pacific Ocean is unique among billfishes and tunas in that it forms a horseshoe-shaped pattern from the northwest Pacific through the eastern Pacific to the southwest Pacific[4]. In the Indian Ocean, fish are more densely distributed in equatorial regions with higher concentrations off eastern Africa, in the western Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and off northwestern Australia[5].

Range and Population

Indo-Pacific: tropical, subtropical and temperate waters. Highly migratory species, Annex I of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea[6]. The distribution in the Pacific Ocean is unique among billfishes and tunas in that it forms a horseshoe-shaped pattern from the northwest Pacific through the eastern Pacific to the southwest Pacific[7]. In the Indian Ocean, fish are more densely distributed in equatorial regions with higher concentrations off eastern Africa, in the western Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and off northwestern Australia[8].

Habitat

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Epipelagic and oceanic species, usually found above the thermocline. Generally inhabit cooler water than either black ( Makaira indica ) or blue marlin ( M. mazara )[9]. Most dominant and widely distributed of all billfishes. Their abundance increases with distance from the continental shelf[10]. Usually seen close to shore only where deep drop-offs occur[11].

Biome

Saltwater. Pelagic.

Diet

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Feed on fishes, crustaceans and squids.

Behavior

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Mostly solitary, but form small schools by size during the spawning season[12]. They are usually dispersed at considerably wide distances

Similar Species

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Members of the genus Tetrapturus:

There are approximately 12 species and subspecies in this genus: T. albidus (Atlantic White Marlin) · T. angastirostris · T. angustirostris (Japanese Spearfish) · T. angustrirostris · T. audax (Barred Marlin) · T. belone (Mediterranean Shortbill Spearfish) · T. pfluegeri · T. georgii (Roundscale Spearfish) · T. pfleugeri · T. pfluegeri (Atlantic Longbill Spearfish) · T. pfluegeri paratype · T. pfluegeride (Longbill Spearfish)

Members of the genus Sargocentron:

There are approximately 56 species and subspecies in this genus: S. rubrum · S. iota · S. cornutum · S. andamensis · S. bullisi (Deep-Water Squirrelfish) · S. caudimaculatum (Silverspot Squirrelfish) · S. melanospilos · S. cornutum (Horned Squirrelfish) · S. cornutus · S. coruscum (Conga Tony) · S. diadema (Barred Squirrel) · S. diadima · S. dorsomaculatum (Cryptic Squirrelfish) · S. dorsomaculatus · S. ensifer (Yellow-Striped Squirrelfish) · S. furcatum · S. erythraeum · S. furcatum · S. furcatus · S. hastatum (Red Soldierfish) · S. hormion · S. inaequalis (Lattice Squirrelfish) · S. iota (Dwarf Squirrelfish) · S. ittodai (Japanese Soldierfish) · S. ittodai indoceanus · S. lepros (Spiny Squirrelfish) · S. macrosquamis (Bigscale Squirrelfish) · S. marisrubri · S. megalops · S. melanospilos (Blackblotch Squirrelfish) · S. microstoma (Fine-Lined Squirrelfish) · S. poco (Saddle Squirrelfish) · S. praslin (Brownspot Squirrelfish) · S. puctatissimum · S. punctatissimum (Peppered Squirrel) · S. rubra · S. rubrum (Red Coat) · S. ruburum · S. S. · S. seychellense (Seychelles Squirrelfish) · S. shimizui · S. spinifera · S. spiniferum (Giant Squirrelfish) · S. spinosissimum · S. spinossimum · S. suborbitale · S. suborbitalis (Tinsel Squirrelfish) · S. tiere (Blue Lined Squirrelfish) · S. tiereiodes · S. tiereoides (Pink Squirrelfish) · S. unipunctatum · S. vexillarium (Black-Barred Squirrel Fish) · S. violaceum (Red-Faced Squirrelfish) · S. wilhelmi · S. xantherythrum (Hawaiian Squirrelfish) · S. xantherythrus

Bibliography

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  • Allen, G.R. and R.C. Steene (1988). Fishes of Christmas Island Indian Ocean. Christmas Island Natural History Association, Christmas Island, Indian Ocean, 6798, Australia. 197 p.
  • Bearez, P. (1996). Lista de los peces marinos del Ecuador continental. Rev. Biol. Trop. 44(2):731-741.
  • Japan International Cooperation Agency (1987). The fisheries resources survey in Fiji and Tuvalu. Figures and tables. Japan International Cooperation Agency, April 1987.
  • Kailola, P.J. (1991). The fishes of Papua New Guinea: a revised and annotated checklist. Vol. III. Gobiidae to Molidae. Research Bulletin No. 41, Research Section, Dept. of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Papua New Guinea. 153 p.
  • Kailola, P.J., M.J. Williams, P.C. Stewart, R.E. Reichelt, A. McNee and C. Grieve (1993). Australian fisheries resources. Bureau of Resource Sciences, Canberra, Australia. 422 p.
  • Kapoor, D., R. Dayal and A.G. Ponniah (2002). Fish biodiversity of India. National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources Lucknow, India.775 p.
  • Kulbicki, M., J.E. Randall and J. Rivaton (1994). Checklist of the fishes of the Chesterfield Islands (Coral Sea). Micronesica 27(1/2):1-43.
  • Masuda, H., K. Amaoka, C. Araga, T. Uyeno and T. Yoshino (1984). The fishes of the Japanese Archipelago. Vol. 1 (text). Tokai University Press, Tokyo, Japan. 437 p. (text), 370 pls.
  • Myers, R.F. (1999). Micronesian reef fishes: a comprehensive guide to the coral reef fishes of Micronesia, 3rd revised and expanded edition. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 330 p.
  • Nakamura, I. (1985). FAO species catalogue. Vol. 5. Billfishes of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of marlins, sailfishes, spearfishes and swordfishes known to date. FAO Fish. Synop. 5(125):65 p.
  • Nakamura, Izumi 1985. Billfishes of the World: An Annotated and Illustrated Catalogue of Marlins, Sailfishes, Spearfishes and Swordfishes Known to Date. FAO Fisheries Synopsis, no. 125, vol. 5. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Rome, Italy. iv + 65. ISBN: 92-5-102232-1.
  • Paulin, C., A. Stewart, C. Roberts and P. McMillan (1989). New Zealand fish: a complete guide. National Museum of New Zealand Miscellaneous Series No. 19. 279 p.
  • Randall, J.E. (1995). Coastal fishes of Oman. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. 439 p.
  • Randall, J.E. and C. Anderson (1993). Annotated checklist of the epipelagic and shore fishes of the Maldives Islands. Ichthyol. Bull. of the J.L.B. Smith Inst. of Ichthyol. 59:47.
  • Robins, Richard C., Reeve M. Bailey, Carl E. Bond, James R. Brooker, Ernest A. Lachner, et al. 1980. A List of Common and Scientific Names of Fishes from the United States and Canada, Fourth Edition. American Fisheries Society Special Publication, no. 12. American Fisheries Society. Bethesda, Maryland, USA. 174.
  • Wass, R. C. (1984). An annotated checklist of the fishes of Samoa. Natl. Ocean. Atmos. Adminis. Tech. Rept., Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv., Spec. Sci. Rept. Fish. (781).
  • Winterbottom, R. and R.C. Anderson (1997). A revised checklist of the epipelagic and shore fishes of the Chagos Archipelago, Central Indian Ocean. Ichthyol. Bull. Smith. Inst. (66):1-28.

More Info

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Notes

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Contributors:

  • Bisby, F.A., Y.R. Roskov, M.A. Ruggiero, T.M. Orrell, L.E. Paglinawan, P.W. Brewer, N. Bailly, J. van Hertum, eds (2007). Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2007 Annual Checklist. Species 2000: Reading, U.K.
  • Brands, S.J. (comp.) 1989-2006. Systema Naturae 2000. The Taxonomicon. Universal Taxonomic Services, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Accessed April 20, 2007.
  • FishBase 2006.
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Accessed March 01, 2008. http://www.gbif.org Mediated distribution data from 6 providers.
  • Heemstra, Phillip C. (from FishBase).

Data Sources:

Accessed through GBIF Data Portal March 01, 2008:

  • Burke Museum: University of Washington Fish Collection
  • FishBase: FishBase DiGIR Provider - Philippine Server
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Bureau of Rural Sciences National commercial fisheries half-degree data set 2000-2002 (OBIS Australia)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: iziko South African Museum - Fish Collection
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (First Semester of 1987)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (First Semester of 1993) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (First Semester of 1994) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (First Semester of 1995) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (First Semester of 1996) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (First Semester of 1998) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (First Semester of 1999) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (First Semester of 2000) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (Second Semester of 1988)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (Second Semester of 1992) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (Second Semester of 1993) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (Second Semester of 1994) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (Second Semester of 1995) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (Second Semester of 1996) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (Second Semester of 1997) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (Second Semester of 1998) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (Second Semester of 1999) (AfrOBIS)
  • Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University: Marine and Coastal Management - Linefish Dataset (Second Semester of 2000) (AfrOBIS)
  • Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History: Vertebrate specimens
  • National Chemical Laboratory: IndOBIS, Indian Ocean Node of OBIS
  • OZCAM (Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums) Provider: Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums

Identifiers:

Footnotes:

  1. Nakamura, I. (1985). FAO species catalogue. Vol. 5. Billfishes of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of marlins, sailfishes, spearfishes and swordfishes known to date. FAO Fish. Synop. 5(125):65 p.
  2. Frimodt, C. (1995). Multilingual illustrated guide to the world's commercial warmwater fish. Fishing News Books, Osney Mead, Oxford, England. 215 p.
  3. FAO Fisheries Department (1994). World review of highly migratory species and straddling stocks. FAO Fish. Tech. Pap. No. 337. Rome, FAO. 70 p.
  4. Squire, J.L. Jr. and Z. Suzuki (1990). Migration trends of striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax) in the Pacific Ocean. p. 67-80. In R.H. Stroud (ed.) Planning the future of billfishes. Research and management in the 90's and beyond. Proceedings of
  5. Pillai, P.P. and S. Ueyanagi (1977). Distribution and biology of the striped marlin, Tetrapterus [sic] audax (Philippi) taken by the longline fishery in the Indian Ocean. Bull. Far Seas Fish. Res. Lab. 16:9-32.
  6. FAO Fisheries Department (1994). World review of highly migratory species and straddling stocks. FAO Fish. Tech. Pap. No. 337. Rome, FAO. 70 p.
  7. Squire, J.L. Jr. and Z. Suzuki (1990). Migration trends of striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax) in the Pacific Ocean. p. 67-80. In R.H. Stroud (ed.) Planning the future of billfishes. Research and management in the 90's and beyond. Proceedings of
  8. Pillai, P.P. and S. Ueyanagi (1977). Distribution and biology of the striped marlin, Tetrapterus [sic] audax (Philippi) taken by the longline fishery in the Indian Ocean. Bull. Far Seas Fish. Res. Lab. 16:9-32.
  9. Nakamura, I. (1985). FAO species catalogue. Vol. 5. Billfishes of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of marlins, sailfishes, spearfishes and swordfishes known to date. FAO Fish. Synop. 5(125):65 p.
  10. Kailola, P.J., M.J. Williams, P.C. Stewart, R.E. Reichelt, A. McNee and C. Grieve (1993). Australian fisheries resources. Bureau of Resource Sciences, Canberra, Australia. 422 p.
  11. Kailola, P.J., M.J. Williams, P.C. Stewart, R.E. Reichelt, A. McNee and C. Grieve (1993). Australian fisheries resources. Bureau of Resource Sciences, Canberra, Australia. 422 p.
  12. Frimodt, C. (1995). Multilingual illustrated guide to the world's commercial warmwater fish. Fishing News Books, Osney Mead, Oxford, England. 215 p.

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Last Revised: April 29, 2008