Plain bonito

D-Einfarbiger Pelamide; GB-Plain bonito; DK-Ustribet pelamide; PL-Orcyn; RU-Одноцветный бонито; FIN-Juovaton sarda; S-Ostrimmig pelamid

Characters

1) Several finlets behind dorsal and anal fins.
2) Both dorsal fins standing near to each other
3) First dorsal fin coloured black.
●) 13-15 fin rays in the first dorsal fin.
Usually around 70 cm, up to max. 130 cm length and over 13 kg weight.

Similar species

Atlantic bluefin tuna - nly 11-12 fin rays in the first dorsal fin; caudal peduncle with one big keel (vs. three equally large ones in plain bonito).

Atlantic mackerel - with stripes on back; dorsal fins widely separated.

Biology

Lives in formations in the free water. Eggs and larvae also live pelagic.

Diet

Feeds mainly on clupeids like sardines and anchovies.

Importance

Is used commercially, marked in tins and deep frozen; important game fish.