Striped marlin is the world's third fastest fish, which reaches its speed of up to 80 km/h
Recognizable by their long, sword-like bill and unique body markings, striped marlin are easily distinguishable among ocean species
Though generally solitary, they form small schools during spawning season, grouping based on size
Before attacking, striped marlin change color to brighten their body stripes, avoiding clashes with other marlins, and revert to their original color post-hunt
Their bill is slender and reasonably blunt, equipped with tiny teeth, setting them apart from other marlin species
An adult striped marlin can weigh nearly 500 pounds and grow to over 12 feet in length, with the average mature striped marlin weighing over 410 pounds and measuring 11 feet
They are a migratory species found in the Indo-Pacific and worldwide in tropical and temperate waters, preferring temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius
As active predators, striped marlins feast on small tuna, mackerel, squid, and other smaller billfish, among other aquatic species
Living up to about ten years, striped marlins reach full maturity in 2-3 years, with females releasing millions of eggs during spawning
The major threats to striped marlins include human activities, commercial targeting, predators, and climate change impacts on their habitat and distribution