Details
Katsuwonus pelamis
A fast schooling tuna of tropical and warm-temperate oceans, recognized by dark back color and black stripes on the belly.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Widespread in warm surface waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans, often around fronts, floating objects, and prey schools.
The body is spindle-shaped, dark blue above, and marked with several black longitudinal stripes on the lower sides and belly.
It swims rapidly in large schools and attacks small fish near the surface, sometimes near seabirds or dolphins.
It eats small fish, squid, and crustaceans, feeding intensely at the surface in coordinated groups.
Adults broadcast many eggs in warm seas. Growth is fast, and maturity comes early.
Skipjack tuna supports major fisheries for canned tuna, sashimi, and Japanese dried bonito, making regional management important.
