Get to know the striped marlin
The striped marlin is probably the most beautiful of all the marlin species. With its brilliant bluish-purple stripes that run along its flanks, the striped marlin is a real stunner. Beautiful and sleek, the striped marlin is among the most acrobatic of the marlin species. Naturally gifted with speed, it has the power to catapult out of the water. Onlookers can’t help but be mesmerized by its incredible aerial displays. It’s like watching an aquatic Cirque du Soleil.
Striped marlin has an elongated and compressed body. It has a robust upper jaw, and a medium-sized beak. With its elongated and streamline body, it looks similar to the blue marlin. The striped marlin’s vivid vertical bars on its body are what sets it apart from its cousin. In addition, their pelvic fins are longer than their pectoral fins with a high dorsal fin.
In terms of size, striped marlin, nicknamed “stripies” does not reach the immense size of the larger blue and black marlin. However, in some parts of the world, they have been known to reach a whopping 300 to 400 pounds. They can grow to around 10 ft (3m) in length.
Stripies are often found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and prefer the temperate waters. They spawn during the period of May to August in the Northern Pacific. They like to feed on fish and invertebrates, including squid. These opportunistic feeders enjoy feasting on mackerels, anchovy, and sardines. This is why they are quick to take advantage of the annual Mexican sardine run.
Marlins in action at the sardine run
Most marlin species are solitary creatures but the striped marlin likes to gather in groups especially in the presence of a bait ball. In Baja Mexico, striped marlins (Kajikia audax), have been observed to attack the sardines with precision and feed cooperatively.
It’s a thrill to see this species feeding in action during a sardine run. If you want to encounter these incredible aquatic creatures, you can book Baja Shark Experience’s Marlins Expedition. See the marlins show off their agility, wit, and teamwork during the annual sardine run in the heart of Baja California Mexico. Don’t miss out on this yearly spectacular marine event that takes place mid-October to the end of November. Slots are filling in quickly so make your reservations now.
Striped marlins are incredible predators that work together to achieve the best results. With lightning speed, they rip through the waters to push the bait balls to the surface before making the move to attack. The marlins go after the isolated individuals and gobble them up with gusto. Being in the water with these majestic creatures is one for the books. Imagine being in the same water with a school of stripies working together with other predators like pelagic fishes, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and whales. It’s an experience that you can share with family, friends, and colleagues. When the feast is over, you’ll see cascading shimmery scales in the water.