The dorsal fin of a white is usually a bright blue and the body color can range from a greenish-blue to chocolate brown, shading to a silvery white underbelly.  Aside from its size, the white marlin is also distinguished from other marlins by its rounded dorsal, pectoral and anal fins, and by noticeable spots on the dorsal fin.

The white is an offshore blue water fish & pound-for-pound is considered to be one of the toughest of the billfish species.  It feeds on or near the surface on a variety of prey from squid to small jacks, & is frequently caught on mullet or other medium-sized baits typically used for sailfish.

In common with the other marlins, the white uses its bill to stun fast-moving fish, then turns to consume them.  When hooked it puts on an acrobatic display that is only exceeded by its cousin the striped marlin.

Unlike most of the other marlins, the flesh of the white marlin is of poor quality.