Record set as 210-kg marlin caught off Karachi

It took senior angler Khalid four hours to catch the fish

KARACHI:

A new record of fish hunting has been set in Pakistan after a marlin weighing 210 kilogrammes was caught from the open waters in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Karachi.

According to Ahmed Mamour Amimi, the president of Pakistan Boat Rally and Fishing Association, senior angler Khalid caught a marlin (locally called Khadda) weighing 210 kg in the open sea near the continental shelf, 150 kilometres off the shoreline of Karachi.

He added that the fish was five feet wide and 10.5 feet long.

“It took four hours to hunt this giant fish,” he added.

It should be noted that marlin is one of the largest species of fish in the world.

Not only is it one of the largest fish in the ocean, it is also considered one of the fastest -- capable of travelling at speeds of up to 68 miles per hour.

The biggest threat to marlin is commercial fishing along with the highly migratory pelagic fish.

The lifespan of marlins varies depending on the species and gender. The Atlantic blue marlin can live up to 27 years, while the blue marlin lives up to 15 years.

A blue marlin can grow to over 12 feet long and weigh up to 2,000 pounds.

Female blue marlins grow larger than males and may live up to 20 years.

The relatively high fat content of its meat makes it commercially valuable in certain markets.

The Pacific blue marlin has a longer lifespan, with males living at least 18 years and females living at least 27 years.

Several factors affect their longevity, including environmental conditions, predators, and fishing practices.

The ideal habitat for marlin is warm, tropical waters with high levels of oxygen. These fish prefer clear waters that offer them ample opportunities to hunt their prey.

Marlin larvae feed on zooplankton, including drifting fish eggs and other tiny organisms found at the surface of the water.

As adult marlins grow larger, they require a diet that includes large predatory fish including tuna or mackerel.