JAKARTA – Marlin is a saltwater fish of the Istiophoridae family that has an elongated body, a spear-like snout or beak, and a long, stiff dorsal fin that forms a crest.
Meanwhile, swordfish is a type of marine fish whose upper jaw and elongated snout are shaped like a flat, strong sword, measuring nearly a third of the length of this fish.
At first glance, Marlin and Swordfish look the same. However, upon closer inspection there are some differences between the two fish.
Difference between marlin and swordfish
1. Difference in speed
The black marlin is one of the fastest fish in the sea, capable of swimming at speeds of 130 kilometers per hour.
Swordfish can also be said to be fast, but only capable of reaching 97 kilometers per hour of speed.
2. Differences in the ability to survive cold temperatures
Swordfish are able to survive colder temperatures than marlin. In fact, swordfish is capable of diving to a depth of 2,100 feet or 640 meters below sea level.
3. Age difference
The average female marlin can live up to the age of 20 and for the male marlin up to 10 years.
Meanwhile, swordfish has a shorter lifespan, which is only around 9 years.
4. Difference in meat
The two fish have differences when consumed. Marlin meat tends to have a stronger meat flavor and has a higher fat content.
Meanwhile, swordfish has a lighter taste and lower fat content.
5. Color difference
If you look closely, marlin fish are more colorful than swordfish.
The top of the marlin is usually a bright or dark blue with yellow accents and the bottom is silver.
Not only that, the marlin fish also has a vertical line running along the sides of its body.
6. Differences in the dorsal fin
Marlin has an elongated dorsal fin, while swordfish has a crescent-shaped dorsal fin.
Additionally, marlin fish have pectoral, anal, and caudal fins that can be folded to reduce drag and increase speed.
7. Difference in size
These two seawater fish have significant size differences. The largest species of marlin, the blue marlin, is over 5 meters long and weighs up to 635 kilograms.
Meanwhile, the swordfish measures just 9.8 feet (3 meters) with a maximum weight of 1,190 pounds (540 kilograms).
8. Family differences
Although marlin and swordfish belong to the same order, namely Istiophoriformes. However, they are separated in the family. Marlin is part of the Istiophoridae family, while swordfish is part of the Xiphiidae family.
