Some interesting finding are coming out about a new species that looks almost identical to White Marlin. It is a Round Scale Spearfish. This may have a significant impact on the White Marlin fishery management because it would mean that even the lower numbers of report White Marlin that have been occuring are probably even lower because these Spearfish are misidentified in general. I couldn't tell the difference. Only the shape of the scale base and scale ends appear different. The main ID points for White Marlin would not quickly lead you to a different ID. Watch for more on this topic and the impact.
Tight lines.
Dave

I've seen stuff on that, too. It is also called a "Hatchet Marlin". For the White Marlin Open, they are considered white marlin, but genetic analysis reveals that they are different species.

I read about that in Saltwater Mag .It could cause the White Marlin to fall back on the endangered species list because the previous tests were skewed.Some say it is a Variant (Tetrapturus Sp.) of the White Marlin.Some say it is a Hybrid of a SpearFish and White Marlin.Then others claim it is its own Species all together.I guess we will have to bring a Fish ID field Kit with us this season to examine Scales and take DNA samples.

Generally, the hatchet marlin I have read about are slightly larger than the white marlin.

I saw that article today in Sport Fishing mag. I think species is even different from a Hatchet marlin.