What characteristic distinguishes white marlin finlets from blue marlin?
Answer
Tend to have 16 to 19 stiff, short, non-overlapping finlets.
A key physical differentiator cited for the white marlin, compared to blue marlin, involves the structure immediately following the second dorsal and anal fins. White marlin specimens are characterized by possessing more than 15, sometimes up to 19, finlets that are described as stiff, short, and distinctly non-overlapping. This specific arrangement of posterior finlets is a critical identification feature for separating the species.

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