Highly Migratory Species

Species

The following four species are included in the Puerto Rico catch card pilot project.

Makaira nigricans - Blue Marlin Sexual maturity: between 2 and 4 years Females grow at a faster rate and attain larger sizes than males. IGFA world record: 1,402 lbs., PR record: 984 lbs. Minimum size limit for retention: 99” LJFL
Kajikia albidus - White Marlin Sexual maturity: at 61” for females and 55” for males Females grow at a faster rate and attain larger sizes than males. IGFA world record: 181 lbs., PR record: 135 lbs. Minimum size limit for retention: 66” LJFL
Istiophorus albicans - Sailfish Sexual maturity: at 3 years Females grow at a faster rate and attain larger sizes than males. IGFA world record: 141 lbs., PR record: 73 lbs. Minimum size limit for retention: 63” LJFL
Xiphias gladius - Swordfish Sexual maturity between 3 and 5 years Females grow at a faster rate and attain larger sizes than males. IGFA world record: 1,182 lbs., PR record: 250 lbs. Minimum size limit for retention: 47” LJFL

There have been reports of other billfishes in Puerto Rican waters; however, very little is known about their biology and abundances.

• Tetrapturus pfluegeri - Longbill Spearfish
  • Maximum weight 90 lbs.
  • Capture prohibited
• Tetrapturus georgii - Roundscale Spearfish
  • Average length 72”, average weight 53 lbs.
  • Very similar in appearance to the white marlin (Kajikia albidus)