| Family | Scientific Name | Author | Year | Common Name |
| Istiophoridae | Makaira nigricans | Lacepède | 1802 | Blue Marlin |
Makaira nigricans
Unique Characters: First dorsal fin not sail-like, slightly higher to lower than body depth at level of midbody. Pelvic fins not as long (far from reaching to anus), with a moderately-developed membrane. Lateral line not straight, usually not visible in adults, characteristically a chicken wire-like pattern. Anterior part of dorsal fin lower than body depth. Profile of head between preorbital region and origin of first dorsal fin steeply elevated. Body not strongly compressed.
Similar Species:
Atlantic Sailfish Istiophorus platypterus
Longbill Spearfish Tetrapturus pfluegeri
White Marlin
Kajikia albida
Sailfish Istiophorus platypterus. First dorsal fin sail-like, considerably higher than body depth at level of midbody. Pelvic-fin rays very long (almost reaching to anus), with a well-developed membrane.
Longbill Spearfish Tetrapturus pfluegeri. First dorsal fin not sail-like, slightly higher to lower than body depth at level of midbody. Pelvic fins not as long (far from reaching to anus), with a moderately-developed membrane. Lateral line visible, a simple straight line. Anterior part of first dorsal fin slightly higher than, or nearly equal to, body depth. Body strongly compressed. Profile of head between preorbital region and origin of first dorsal fin nearly flat. Anterior part of dorsal fin nearly equal to body depth. Pectoral-fin length nearly equal to pelvic-fin length.
White Marlin Kajikia albida. First dorsal fin not sail-like, slightly higher to lower than body depth at level of midbody. Pelvic fins not as long (far from reaching to anus), with a moderately-developed membrane. Lateral line visible, a simple straight line. Anterior part of first dorsal fin slightly higher than, or nearly equal to, body depth. Body strongly compressed. Profile of head between preorbital region and origin of first dorsal fin slightly elevated. Anterior part of dorsal fin slightly higher than body depth. Pectoral fin longer than pelvic fin.
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