Marlin Identification

[odin]

Hi All
I have had a question posed on ask the experts for about a week now, obviously they have no opinion as there have been no replies.

Q. Has there ever been a recorded case of an identified Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) that has shown the second anal fin to the posterior of the second dorsal fin?
Looking forward to some feedback. My opinion is that the answer will be no as such a fish would be clearly noted asnd examined for the difference from what is normal for this species.
Cheers
odin

[Keith Poe]

Interesting

What size is this fish ?

Any pictures ?

This appears to be the opposite of what you are describing as far as fry juvenile fish are concerned.

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Galler...rlinlarvae.JPG


blacks have the second anal fin posterior to their second dorsal fin.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...x-Maind_u0.gif

If you have a picture and any of the fish it could be of interest to science to research the sequences between other blue & black marlin etc.


hybrid species of fish are posibble.

In many situations, the resulting hybrid fish that were produced would show traits from both parent species, and were intermediate in appearance.


Research Using Xiphophorus Hybrid Fish

[odin]

Hi Keith
Good information links.
While I do have a fish in mind regarding the question, I am trying to keep the question general at this stage. The current photos available are of poor angles and quality (pixilated) and are not good enough to ID the fish off. From the photos I have seen one makes it look like a Stripey, one like a Blue and one like a Black.
Some down here have called it a Blue although it clearly has a second anal fin posterior to the second dorsal fin according to the weighstation measure. This along with other features told to me by the weighstation staff who examined the fish leave me with the conclusion that it is a Black.
Hence the question regarding the anal fin being behind the dorsal fin on a Blue. I think if such a fish had ever been measured it would have been poarticularly noted in scientific circles as a major anomoly. To date though I have found no such notes on any scientific site (or any other site for that matter) that I have visited. Over 30 hrs research so far and counting.
Cheers
odin

[NZ Fisher]

Here is a link of the fish in question
Blue in Mercury bay - The Fishing Website Forums - Page 1
The weighmaster and odin called it for a Black, myself and many other experienced fishos called it a Blue.
Pics to me show fins clear enough, cheers for your IDs.
28122009_15.jpg picture by adamscott - Photobucket
28122009_12.jpg picture by adamscott - Photobucket
28122009_11.jpg picture by adamscott - Photobucket
28122009_10.jpg picture by adamscott - Photobucket

[odin]

Hi Adam
As stated previously I would like to keep the conversation general rather than focus on one fish. The photos you have posted are of poor angles and therin lies the danger in making a call from such photos. I would rather put my faith in the physical measurements and observations of the weighstation staff.
However that said please keep this thread general as asked for previously in keeping with the general nature of my question as it is not about a particular fish but a species indicator that I am trying to find an answer to. Just wanting to establish if there have ever been any anomolies on this particular feature. Please do not muddy the waters.
regards
odin

[fishcrazy]

The fish in the photos is clearly a blue, no questions about it.

I've never seen a marlin where it is necessary to take measurements etc in order to identify.