How do white marlin utilize their bill when hunting in schools?
Answer
They slash through baitfish schools to stun or injure prey.
The feeding strategy employed by white marlin is highly specialized and often cooperative. When hunting schools of smaller pelagic fish or squid, they employ their long, sharp bill in a distinctive slashing motion. This action is intended to injure or stun multiple individuals within the bait ball simultaneously, making it significantly easier for the marlin to circle back and consume the incapacitated prey effectively.

Related Questions
What is the primary scientific designation for the white marlin?How do typical white marlin weights compare to those of blue marlin?What characteristic distinguishes white marlin finlets from blue marlin?What is the minimum general water depth preferred by white marlin habitats?How do white marlin utilize their bill when hunting in schools?What federal listing status does the white marlin hold under the U.S. ESA?What specific anatomical feature defines the long pelvic fins of the white marlin?What is the reported maximum burst speed white marlin can achieve in the water?What specific designation does Maryland fisheries assign to the white marlin?Why are white marlin sometimes nicknamed "spearfish"?What range of Fahrenheit water temperatures do white marlin typically favor?What role does the iridescent, dark bluish-black back coloration serve?