The "striped marlin" is a fish commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters. The correct spelling of this word is /strɑɪpt ˈmɑːrlɪn/, with the stress on the first syllable. It is spelled with the "y" sound in "striped" (/strɑɪpt/), rather than the "i" sound in "stripe" (/straɪp/), to signify the past tense of "stripe." Meanwhile, "marlin" is spelled with the "a" sound in "car" (/ˈmɑːrlɪn/) for its unique and distinctive fish species.
The striped marlin, also known as Kajikia audax, is a large and highly migratory fish species belonging to the Istiophoridae family. It is characterized by its distinct striped pattern on its body, which gives it its common name. Found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean, the striped marlin is a prized game fish and is highly sought after by sport fishermen.
This species typically has a long and slender body, with a pointed bill and a large dorsal fin. It can reach impressive lengths of up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) and weigh up to 400 pounds (180 kilograms). The body of the striped marlin is silvery-blue in color, while its back is a darker shade, marked with distinct vertical stripes that can be blue, black, or lavender.
Striped marlins are known for their exceptional speed and agility, capable of reaching remarkable swimming speeds of up to 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour). They are highly active predators, feeding primarily on smaller fish, such as mackerel, tuna, and squid.
During reproduction, the males display a vibrant blue coloration on their bodies and engage in competitive behavior to impress females. They use their bills to slash at prey, stunning them before consuming them.
The striped marlin is highly valued both for its challenging fight when hooked on a fishing line and for its meat, which is sought after for consumption. However, overfishing and habitat degradation have led to conservation concerns for this species, prompting fishing regulations and efforts to protect its populations.
The word "striped marlin" has a straightforward etymology based on its appearance and characteristics. Here's a breakdown:
1. Striped: The term "striped" refers to the distinct stripes or bands found on the body of the marlin. These stripes are a prominent feature and help differentiate it from other species of marlin.
2. Marlin: The word "marlin" comes from the Spanish word "marlín", which is a diminutive form of "marlo". "Marlo" originally meant "spearfish", and over time, it specifically came to represent the swordfish or billfish family.
Therefore, when combined, "striped marlin" describes a species of marlin characterized by its striped appearance.