Black Marlin (Istiompax indicus) is the largest of three species of marlins which have brought New Zealand into prominence as a base for excellent big-game fishing. The best grounds are off the Bay of Islands, Whangaroa, and Mayor Island. An example taken at the Bay of Islands in 1928 weighed 876 lb. This fine fish is dark blue above, with indistinct vertical stripes and bluish-silver below. It is deeper in the body and a much larger and heavier fish than the striped marlin.

by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.