The black marlin (Istiompax indica) is a species of marlin found in tropical and subtropical areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. With a maximum published length of and weight of , it is one of the largest marlins and also one of the largest bony fish. Marlin are among the fastest fish, but speeds are often wildly exaggerated in popular media, such as reports of . Recent research suggests a burst speed of is near the maximum rate. Black marlin are fished commercially and are also a highly prized game fish. Black marlins have been known to drag Maldivian fishing boats of the ancient times for very long distances until it got tired; and then it would then take many hours for the fishermen to row or sail back home. Taxonomy French naturalist Georges Cuvier described the black marlin in 1832 as Tetrapturus indicus. Description Compared to striped or white marlins and sailfish, black marlins are more solid than their blue counterparts. They have a shorter bill and a rounder and lower dorsal fin. Black marlin may be distinguished from all other marlin species by their rigid pectoral fins, which, especially from a weight of around , are unable to be pressed flat against their sides but can be tilted further backwards for reduced drag. Distribution The species occurs in the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific, with uncommon movements into temperate waters, and rare reports from the Atlantic. Diet Diet mostly consists of various fish and cephalopods. They may eat tuna, mackerel, snake mackerel, flying fish, squid, crustaceans, octopus, etc. See also Billfish in the Indian Ocean References Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand, (William Collins Publishers Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand 1982) Fish described in 1832 Fish of Hawaii Fish of Pakistan Istiophoridae Sport fish Taxa named by Georges Cuvier