Food of the Striped Marlin, Makaira mitsukurii, from New Zealand

THE striped marlin, Makaira mitsukurii Jordan and Synder, is found in the tropical and semi-tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. Like all marlins, it is characterised by the elongate upper jaw, resembling a marlin spike, from which the group derives its popular name. The striped marlin may be distinguished from other Pacific marlins by its relatively higher dorsal fin, lesser depth of body, and the presence of about 14 silvery to blue vertical stripes on the body. In common with other members of this