7 Honest Difference Between Swordfish and Marlin with Table

What is the difference between swordfish and marlin?

Swordfish and marlin are both members of the billfish family. The family comprises members that have sword-like bills.

The billfish family comprises swordfish, marlins, and sailfish. Both can grow up to 14 feet long. They are both large as swordfish can grow up to 450 kilograms while marlins can grow up to 680 kilograms.

The main difference between swordfish and marlin is that swordfish has a dorsal fin more like a shark’s and it extends far up looking like a feather while marlins have a single dorsal fin that connects along the fish’s back to a short soft-looking ridge.

Difference Between Swordfish and Marlin

Comparison Table (Swordfish vs Marlin)

Characteristics	Swordfish	Marlin
Appearance	They have more rounded bodies.	They have long, tubular bodies.
Weight	It can weigh up to 450 kilograms.	It can weigh up to 680 kilograms.
Snout	Their snout is long and flat.	They have smooth and round snouts.
Dorsal fin	Their dorsal fin resembles more of a shark’s extending far up looking like a feather.	They have a single dorsal fin that connects along the fish’s back to a soft-looking ridge.
Pectoral fins	They are more visible.	They are barely visible.
Taste	Their flesh has a high flavor.	Their flesh has a mild flavor.
Lifespan	They live up to 15 years.	They live up to 20 years for males and 30 years for females.

What is Swordfish?

Swordfish is a type of fish that belongs to the billfish family. They are found in Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Ocean waters.

They are only one species of swordfish. It is classified as an oily fish as it contains high content of fatty acids hence making its flavor to be good.

It is a large marine round fish. They have a dorsal fin that resembles that of a shark. It extends far up looking like a feather.

It can grow up to 5 meters in size and weigh up to 450 kilograms. It has a flat snout. The snout is flat in order to slash at its prey.

Female swords are much larger than male swords. Their lifespan is about 15 years. The only female that had a long lifespan was 16 years.

They are fast but not as marlins. They can move at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour.

What is Marlin?

Marlin belongs to the billfish family. It is found in Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Ocean waters. It is a deep ocean fish and its fishing is usually commercial.

There are about 10 species of marlin fish. All of the species resemble the swordfish. The most popular species include Pacific black marlin and blue marlin.

They are large ocean fish with long bodies. Its dorsal fin is single and connects along the back of the fish to a soft-looking ridge.

It also has a long upper jaw. Its spear is used to get hold of its prey which includes squid and schools of small fish. It is considered one of the top predators of the sea.

It is a strong fish and spends most of its lifetime in the deep parts of the ocean or sea. Its life span is 20 years in males and 30 years in females.

As they are migratory fish, they can swim up to thousands of miles away. It is desired for sports fishing. It has pink flesh although much lighter as compared to swordfish. Its flavor is mild as compared to swordfish.

Main Differences between Swordfish and Marlin

Swordfish have rounded bodies while marlins have long bodies.
Swordfish have visible pectoral fins while marlins do not have visible pectoral fins.
Swordfish have dorsal fins that look like sharks, they extend far up and look like a feather while marlins have a single dorsal fin that connects along the back of the fish to a soft-looking ridge.
Swordfish have a high content of fatty acids hence have high flavor while marlins have a mild flavor.
Swordfish have long and flat snouts while marlins have round and smooth snouts.

Similarities between Swordfish and Marlin

They both belong to the billfish family.
Both have pink flesh.
They both live in Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Ocean waters.
They are both large marine fish.

In Conclusion

Swordfish and marlin have been confused by many as they share many characteristics. They both live in the same waters, they both feed on the same staff although marlins are considered one of the top predators of the sea.

Swordfish have rounded bodies while marlins have long bodies. Swordfish has a dorsal fin that resembles that of a shark while marlins have a single dorsal fin that connects the back of the fish to a soft-looking ridge.

The main feature that makes swordfish different from marlins is the shape of their bodies.

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