Marlin (Scomberesox saurus)

The marlin (Scomberesox saurus), is also known as the alcrique, saury or saury. It is a small bony fish. It lives in shallow waters off the coast at a depth of between 0 and 30 metres. In the open sea it forms shoals of some importance. It is fished with purse seine gear, especially when it approaches the coast in late summer and early autumn. It is also caught as a by-catch on sardine boats. It is most abundant in summer and autumn, although it is fished all year round.

This is a blue fish with a pronounced flavour that is highly prized in the canning industry. Its catches are mainly found in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Sea.

Scientific name: Scomberesox saurus

Shape: Elongated, fusiform, compressed body, tapering towards both ends; upper and lower jaws extend into a beak, with the lower jaw projecting more.

Minimum size: 18 cm.

Colour: Back bluish or olive-coloured, ventral side with a golden or silvery sheen. On the flanks a silvery longitudinal band.

Length and weight: Maximum length 80 cm. Can weigh up to 1 kg.

Time of capture: September, October and November.

Catch area: FAO 27

Presentation formats:

• Frozen in shrink-wrapped block approx. 8 Kg.