A swordfish also has a much more elongated body with multiple pectoral fins, while the latter has a cylindrical body with a single dorsal fin. Moreover, a marlin’s pelvic fins are hardly visible, whereas a swordfish’s pectoral fins are conspicuously visible. Hence, the most potent difference between these two varieties of billfish can be noted with regard to their dorsal fin shapes and pectoral fin visibility.
Swordfish vs Marlin
The main difference between swordfish and marlin is that the dorsal fin of a swordfish bears a close resemblance to a shark’s tail, while the single dorsal fin of a marlin tapers down into a low ridge along the body of the fish. Swordfish bears a distinctive feather-like appearance, while marlin’s dorsal fin lacks such distinction.
Comparison Table Between Swordfish and Marlin
| Parameters of Comparison | Swordfish | Marlin |
| Dorsal Fin Shape | The dorsal fin of a swordfish resembles a shark’s tail. Its appearance is similar to the shape of a feather. | The dorsal fin of a marlin connects to the back of the fish by sloping gently into a soft ridge. |
| Body Structure | A swordfish has an elongated, but round body. | A marlin has a long cylindrical body. |
| Pectoral Fins | Pectoral fins are conspicuous. | Miniscule pectoral fins that are almost invisible. |
| Shape of Snout | The snout of a swordfish is long and flat. | The snout of a marlin is long and round. |
| Weight | The average weight of a swordfish is lower than that of a marlin. | The average weight of a marlin is higher than that of a swordfish. |
| Length | Swordfishes are longer than marlins. The average length of a swordfish ranges from 7-15 feet. | Marlins are smaller than swordfishes. Marlins can grow up to 14 feet. |
| Speed | Swordfish are slower swimmers than marlins. The average speed of a swordfish is 97 km/h. | Marlins are faster swimmers. The average speed of a marlin is 132 km/h. |
| Taste | The flesh of a swordfish has a strong flavor. | The flesh of a marlin has a milder flavor. |
What is a Swordfish?
Swordfishes are widely renowned long, flat snouted members of the billfish family. They are commonly found in warm marine waters. The distinctive dorsal fin of a swordfish separates it from other descendants of the same familial order.
The dorsal fin of a swordfish bears a close resemblance to a shark’s tail. They often tend to be mistakenly perceived as sharks. The fin’s structure is also commonly compared to that of a feather. The body of a swordfish is elongated but spherical. The length of an average swordfish ranges from 7-15 feet. The especially elongated snout can make up for almost one-third of a swordfish’s body length.
Traveling at a speed of 97 km/h, they use their long snouts to injure smaller fish and other prey. Unlike marlins, the color of a swordfish’s body can range from dark brown to black. Swordfish meat is used to prepare fish fillets. The strong flavorful aroma of the fish makes it a perfect fit for most winter soup recipes.
What is a Marlin?
The marlin is a deep-sea fish that is commercially marketed across the world for its distinctive taste and flavor. It also belongs to the varied line of billfishes. Marlins typically thrive in warm tropical and temperate waters. They are natives of the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans.
Marlins have a large, cylindrical body with a long but rounded snout. The dorsal fin of a marlin is similar to a sailfish. Marlins use their snout as an effective weapon for hunting. Their diet comprises of smaller fish, squids, and planktons. The snout helps the marlin navigate through the shoals of smaller fish, inflicting injuries on the prey.
On average, marlins grow to a length of 14 feet and weigh up to 650 kilograms. The sub-variants of the marlin family are often categorized by the color of their scales. The black Pacific marlin, blue marlin, and the white marlin are the most common members of the family. Their texture and taste make them popular choices for preparing Japanese-style sushi.
Main Differences Between Swordfish and Marlin
Conclusion
Swordfish and marlin are both renowned types of billfish. Both these varieties of fish are found in the warm tropical marine waters. Both have similar hunting techniques and diets. This often confuses the general populace as they frequently fail to distinguish one from the other. However, both have some very telling differences. The weight, length, speed, and taste of each variety are rather different when compared to the other.
The most striking difference is noted in terms of appearance. When examined closely, the appearance of a swordfish is quite different from a marlin. A swordfish is elongated and round, with a flat long snout. A marlin, on the other hand, is tubular and cylindrical, with a round snout.
The dorsal fin of a swordfish is like a shark’s distinctive-looking tail, while a marlin has a tail that looks quite different. These differences might come in handy while selecting a suitable fish for a fancy preparation. Nonetheless, one cannot easily distinguish between the two when they are cooked and served.
References
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