Bluefin Tuna
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Bluefin Tuna
Verified by: IMP
Al McGlashan/Shutterstock.comThe bluefin is one of the largest fish in the world
Bluefin Tuna Facts
- Main Prey
- Fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and mollusks
- Group Behavior
-
- School
- Fun Fact
- The bluefin is one of the largest fish in the world
- Estimated Population Size
- More than a million
- Biggest Threat
- Overfishing
- Most Distinctive Feature
- The torpedo-shaped body
- Other Name(s)
- Giant bluefin
- Gestation Period
- A few days
- Habitat
- Oceans
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Type
- Ray-finned fish
- Common Name
- Bluefin tuna
- Number Of Species
- 3
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View all of the Bluefin Tuna images!
The bluefin is the largest and most prized of all the tuna species.
There are generally three bluefin species: the Pacific bluefin and the Atlantic bluefin in the Northern Hemisphere and the southern bluefin in the Southern Hemisphere.
3 Incredible Bluefin Tuna Facts!
- The bluefin tuna fish can dive deeper than 3,000 feet.
- The bluefin tuna fish has excellent vision, perhaps the best of any bony fish.
- The bluefin tuna fish migrates vast distances every year in large schools.
Bluefin Tuna Classification and Scientific Name
The Pacific, Atlantic, and southern bluefins go by the scientific names of Thunnus orientalis, Thunnus thynnus, and Thunnus maccoyii, respectively. Although they are distinctive species, the bluefins have similar appearances and behaviors.
Bluefin Tuna Appearance
The bluefin is characterized by a metallic gray, blue, and silver body with retractable fins and eyes set flush against the body. These are gigantic fish, often weighing between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds in size. The largest bluefin ever caught set a world record of 1,500 pounds.
lunamarina/Shutterstock.com
Bluefin Tuna Distribution, Population, and Habitat
The Pacific and Atlantic bluefin are only found in the northern parts of their respective oceans, while the southern bluefin is endemic to the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere.
Due to overfishing, many bluefin stocks are in peril. The Pacific bluefin is vulnerable, the Atlantic bluefin is endangered, and the southern bluefin is critically endangered. Learn more about the most endangered species on the planet here.
Bluefin Tuna Predators and Prey
The bluefin is one of the top predators in the open oceans. Its fast speed and large size make it a formidable presence.
What does the Bluefin Tuna eat?
The bluefins consume squid, shellfish, and bony fish.
What eats the Bluefin Tuna?
An adult bluefin is preyed upon by billfishes, toothed whales, and some shark species. Numerous animals feed on the juveniles and eggs.
Bluefin Tuna Reproduction and Lifespan
The bluefin reproduces every spawning season by releasing millions of sperm and eggs into the water column. These fertilized eggs hatch after only a few days, but most of them are lost from attrition almost immediately. The bluefins that survive will take up to 8 years to develop and live some 20 to 40 years in the wild.
Bluefin in Fishing and Cooking
The three species of bluefin together only account for 1% of total tuna stocks. However, the high-quality meat of the bluefin is considered to be a delicacy in many cuisines, especially sushi and sashimi. The fatty otoro meat is taken from the stomach near the head, while the leaner chutoro comes from the middle or back stomach.
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Bluefin Tuna FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why is bluefin so expensive?
Both overfishing and the decline of bluefin stocks have driven up prices. The flesh of the bluefin is also quite desirable.
Is catching bluefin illegal?
In the US it does require an NOAA permit to catch or import the bluefin. Illegal fishing is a persistent challenge for replenishing stocks.
Is bluefin good to eat?
The bluefin is nutritious and well-regarded for its meat. However, due to its long lifespan, high mercury levels do accumulate in its flesh, so it should be consumed infrequently.
What do bluefin eat?
Bluefin consumes shellfish, squid, and other fish.
Where are bluefin found?
Bluefin is found all over the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
How many Bluefin Tunas are left in the world?
There are more than a million Bluefin Tunas.
What is an interesting fact about the Bluefin Tuna?
The bluefin is one of the largest fish in the world.
How fast is a Bluefin Tuna?
A Bluefin Tuna can travel at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
How do Bluefin Tunas have babies?
Bluefin Tunas lay eggs.
What are the differences between Bluefin tuna and Yellowfin tuna?
The main differences between bluefin and yellowfin tuna are that bluefin is significantly larger, fetch a higher price, and have a smaller global distribution than yellowfin.
Both bluefin and yellowfin tuna are top predators in the world’s oceans, but there are some definitive differences between them. Worldwide, there are three recognized bluefin species, and only one recognized yellowfin species. All three bluefin species are highly prized as sport and culinary fish, but the yellowfin is also seeing an increase in both markets as well. These large, powerful fish are easily identifiable and are clear apex predators in any habitat they frequent.
What are the differences between Bluefin tuna and Bigeye tuna?
The main differences between bluefin tuna and bigeye tuna include their size, appearance, location and water depth.
Sources
- WWF, Available here: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/bluefin-tuna
- National Geographic, Available here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/2/140220-tuna-guide-skipjack-yellowfin-albacore-bluefin-bigeye-sushi/
