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I thought I’d try something different today than the usual fish identification post.
Instead, we’re going to talk about telling the difference between two fish: the marlin and the swordfish. You’re not likely to run across either of these fish on a scuba trip, but they are commonplace on television (fishing shows, woohoo!) and on our dinner plates. For those that already know the difference, I congratulate you. The rest of us should read on.
First things first, both fish are members of the billfish family. Billfish encompass fish that have sword-like bills. This basically means marlins, swordfish, and sailfish.
Let’s get the easy one out of the way. A sailfish can be recognized by the large dorsal fin that looks like a sail that has accordion pleats. That’s the first test. If the top of the fish has a sail, it’s a sailfish. Done. For fun, let’s look at a picture. Oooh, pretty.
Marlins have a single dorsal fin that connects along the fish’s back to a short, soft-looking ridge. Swordfish, on the other hand, have a dorsal fin more like a shark, and even extends far up, looking somewhat like a feather.
Here is a picture of a marlin:
Compare that to this picture of a swordfish. Notice also that swordfish have pectoral fins that extend below its body, whereas a marlin’s pectoral fins are small and barely visible.
If you can’t get a good look at the fins, you may have to rely on body shape to tell the difference. Marlins have a long, tubular body that varies only a little in size along its length. A swordfish, while still elongated, has a more rounded body.
Check out the two pictures below. From what you’ve learned, which is a swordfish, and which is a marlin? Hover your mouse pointer over the image to see the answer.
Once you know a few differences, I think it’s easy to tell the difference between marlins and swordfish. Even if you get them confused with each other, I doubt anyone will think you’re stupid. As long as you don’t call one of them a sailfish. 
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I'm David Harmon, PADI instructor and all-around scuba enthusiast. I started this site to share with you what I learn as I gain experience, see the world, and become a certified instructor.
January 21st, 2011 at 9:44 am
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May 23rd, 2011 at 10:38 am
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February 19th, 2012 at 6:09 pm
[...] sailfish, and swordfish are found in the waters of the Gulf of Tehuantepec. After looking at this website, I’m thinking this guy is a marlin, but who [...]
May 13th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
You made a mistake tapfish swordfish are marlins liar!
May 13th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
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June 4th, 2012 at 12:24 am
Hi. I got lucky and swam with a Marlin or swordfish? at Layang Layang, Sabah – for a couple of minutes, I took photos of the beast but I can’t be certain whether its a Marlin or swordfish. Can I email you the photos?
June 20th, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Good info! However, you forgot to mention one very particular distinction between the two fish; the Marlin has very noticable vertical stripes along the body, whereas the Swordfish does not. Everytime I’ve seen a Marlin, there are stripes on it. Contrary, everytime I’ve seen a Swordsfish, there were none. Also, you are more likely to find Swordfish on the menu of a restaurant than a Marlin. It’s just not as common. Marlin are normally used more as sport fishing and a thrown back after being unhooked vs the Swordfish is normally, well, not so much
June 25th, 2012 at 6:57 pm
Nicole, not every Marlin has stripes on it. Obviously the striped Marlin does, but the black Marlin & blue Marlin don’t. And also, in the last 5 or 6 years, alot of fish markets have been selling blue Marlin. I have eaten it twice, & it is very delicious. Actually if you like Swordfish, you’ll really like blue Marlin. We think it’s better.
July 26th, 2012 at 10:50 am
[...] to this, I now join the club of those who know (albeit may soon likely forget) the difference between/among swordfish, sailfish, and [...]
September 30th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
Very Interesting all of you have been very helpful,I’m ready for swordfishing. Let go fishing.
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