Swordfish vs. Marlin — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
Swordfish, known for their smooth, elongated bodies and flat bills, are solitary predators, while marlins, with their more streamlined form and pointed bills, often travel in schools.
Difference Between Swordfish and Marlin
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Swordfish possess a distinctive flat, sword-like bill used for slashing prey, contributing to their reputation as aggressive hunters. Marlins, on the other hand, feature a sharp, spear-like bill that aids in skewering and catching fast-moving fish.
While swordfish are generally found in deeper, warmer waters and are known to be solitary creatures, marlins prefer shallower waters and are more commonly seen in groups or schools, especially during migration.
Swordfish have a robust, rounded body and lack scales as adults, which differentiates them from marlins that maintain a more streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with visible scales throughout their lives.
In terms of fishing interest, swordfish are highly prized in commercial fishing for their meat, which is sold in steaks and known for its firmness. Marlins, whereas, are more sought after in sport fishing due to their size, power, and the challenge they present.
Both swordfish and marlins are highly migratory species, but swordfish tend to undertake longer, transoceanic migrations, driven by water temperature changes. Marlins typically migrate within ocean basins, often following warm currents.
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Comparison Chart
Bill Shape
Flat, sword-like
Sharp, spear-like
Social Behavior
Solitary
Schooling, especially in migration
Body Shape
Robust, rounded
Streamlined, torpedo-shaped
Scales
No scales in adulthood
Visible scales throughout life
Fishing Interest
Commercial (meat)
Sport (challenge)
Compare with Definitions
Swordfish
Capable of extensive migrations.
Swordfish migrate across oceans to find suitable spawning areas.
Marlin
Often found in warmer surface waters.
Marlins are a common sight in tropical and subtropical seas.
Swordfish
A large, predatory fish known for its elongated flat bill.
Swordfish use their bills to slash at schools of fish.
Marlin
Prized in sport fishing.
Catching a marlin is considered a top achievement among sport fishermen.
Swordfish
Common in warmer deep water.
Swordfish are often found at depths where sunlight barely penetrates.
Marlin
Fast-swimming pelagic fish with a spear-like bill.
Marlins use their bills to stun and catch prey.
Swordfish
Solitary in nature.
Swordfish are typically encountered alone or in very small groups.
Marlin
Travels in schools during migration.
Marlins are often seen migrating in groups to breeding grounds.
Swordfish
Target of commercial fisheries.
Swordfish steaks are a popular gourmet seafood choice.
Marlin
Exhibits striking body coloration.
The blue marlin is noted for its vibrant cobalt blue and silvery white belly.
Swordfish
Swordfish (Xiphias gladius), also known as broadbills in some countries, are large, highly migratory, predatory fish characterized by a long, flat, pointed bill. They are a popular sport fish of the billfish category, though elusive.
Marlin
A marlin is a fish from the family Istiophoridae, which includes about 10 species. It has an elongated body, a spear-like snout or bill, and a long, rigid dorsal fin which extends forward to form a crest.
Swordfish
A large marine food and game fish (Xiphias gladius) having a long swordlike extension of the upper jaw.
Marlin
Any of several large marine fishes of the genera Makaira and Tetrapturus, which have an elongated spearlike upper jaw and are highly valued as game fish.
Swordfish
A large marine fish with a long, pointed bill, Xiphias gladius.
Marlin
Variant of marline.
Swordfish
A sudoku technique involving possible cell locations for a digit, or pair, or triple, in uniquely three rows and three columns only. This allows for the elimination of candidates around the grid.
Marlin
A light rope made of two loosely twisted strands.
Swordfish
To fish for swordfish.
Marlin
Any species of game fish belonging to either of the genera Tetrapturus or Makaira. Every such species has a pointed, spear-like projection of the upper jaw.
Swordfish
A southern constellation. See Dorado, 1.
Marlin
The American great marbled godwit (Limosa fedoa). Applied also to the red-breasted godwit (Limosa hæmatica).
Swordfish
Flesh of swordfish usually served as steaks
Marlin
Any of several marine billfishes of the genera Makaira and Tetrapturus, popular as game in sport fishing.
Common Curiosities
Where can you typically find swordfish and marlin?
Swordfish inhabit deeper, warmer waters, while marlins are more commonly found in warmer surface waters.
Why are marlins prized in sport fishing?
Marlins are sought after for their size, speed, and the physical challenge they pose, making them a prestigious catch.
What is the preferred habitat of a swordfish compared to a marlin?
Swordfish prefer solitary deep-water environments, whereas marlins are often found in shallower, schooling scenarios.
How do swordfish use their bills in hunting?
Swordfish use their flat bills to slash and injure prey during hunting.
Are swordfish faster than marlins?
Marlins are generally faster, leveraging their streamlined bodies for quick bursts of speed.
What are the key physical differences between a swordfish and a marlin?
Swordfish have a flat, sword-like bill and a robust body, while marlins have a sharp, spear-like bill and a streamlined shape.
How do the migration patterns of swordfish and marlin differ?
Swordfish undergo long transoceanic migrations, while marlins tend to migrate within ocean basins along warm currents.
Can you eat marlin?
Yes, marlin is edible, though it is more commonly released when caught in sport fishing due to conservation efforts.
What are the commercial uses of swordfish?
Swordfish meat is highly valued in the market, often sold as steaks.
How do the bodies of swordfish and marlin differ in terms of scales and coloration?
Adult swordfish lack scales and are mostly uniform in color, while marlins have vibrant color patterns and retain scales.
What social behaviors distinguish marlins from swordfish?
Marlins often travel in schools, especially during migration, unlike the solitary swordfish.
What adaptations help swordfish and marlin in their predatory lifestyles?
Both species have adapted bills for hunting but use them differently; swordfish slash while marlins spear.
How do swordfish and marlin contribute to their ecosystems?
Both are top predators, playing crucial roles in maintaining the balance of marine life by controlling fish populations.
What threats face swordfish and marlin?
Both species are threatened by overfishing and habitat changes, impacting their populations globally.
What conservation measures are in place for these species?
Various international regulations and quotas are set to manage and protect swordfish and marlin populations.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
