Nairagi striped ( audax)

Striped marlin is com- (November-June) and are lightest Color, Taste, Texture: during the summer. monly known as nairagi and a`u, Nairagi is considered the finest- the Hawaiian name applied to all The 40 to 60 pound fish which ap- eating of all marlin species because marlin species caught in Hawaii. pear in the spring season of some of its tender flesh. The natural col- Nairagi are usually between 40 and years are migrating through the or varies from light pink to deep 100 pounds in round weight and are Hawaiian Island chain, passing orange-red. The less common nai- rarely over 130 pounds. The nairagi through the islands again in the ragi that have an intense orange- has the most slender bill and the winter with added weight. red flesh and higher fat content are most visible “stripes” in the marlin Methods: particularly desired for the sashimi family. This species is also distin- Most of the nairagi catch in Hawaii market. guished by the high, pointed dorsal is landed by longline boats fishing in fin (higher than the greatest depth Preparations: the open ocean. However, nairagi of the body) and more compressed Nairagi is frequently used in raw may be caught near shore by slow sides than other species of marlin. fish preparations aspoke , sashimi or trolling with live bait or lures during carpaccio or is cooked in the same certain times of the year. manner as and . The Seasonality and How Distribution: flesh of all marlin species is ideal for They Are Caught The longline catch of nairagi is mar- grilling, but the more tender naira- Availability and Seasonality: keted primarily through the Ho- gi can also be used in cold Commercial landings of nairagi are nolulu fish auction, where it is sold dishes and salads. year round in Hawaii but are heavi- fresh. est during the winter and spring Nairagi is popular for gourmet Quality Product Forms and Yields: - Although some longline boats that Fresh nairagi is sold whole, dressed - uses. catch nairagi remain at sea for up to 12-16 days, with proper care, the cal sale and for mainland markets.

to three weeks after capture.

Hawaii Seafood Council Acknowledgement: produced with support from NOAA www.hawaii-seafood.org