Pelagic Fish

At the entrance to the Arabian Gulf, the constriction and resultant strong currents of the Straits of Hormuz, undoubtedly influence the distribution of many species, including some of the larger migratory, open water pelagic fish such as the several species of tuna and marlin. Smaller specimens of yellowfin tuna for instance are present in the Arabian Gulf, but larger fish from 25 kgs to more than 65 kgs tend to keep to deeper water off the east coast of the UAE and further south in Omani waters. Similarly, striped marlin have only rarely been encountered in deeper UAE waters off the Dibba to Fujairah coastline. Another magnificent billfish, the sailfish, does visit the Arabian Gulf, peaking from August through to late spring. They are caught by big-game anglers and generally tagged and released. The mackerels, tunas and other smaller pelagic species such as the needlefishes range from offshore to inshore waters, often favouring areas near shallower fringe reefs and man-made structures.