Atlantic bluefin tuna

D-Roter Thunfisch; GB-Atlantic bluefin tuna; DK-Atlantisk tun; PL-Tuńczyk; EST-Harilik tuun; RU-Обыкновенный тунец; FIN-Tonnikala; S-Tonfisk

Characters

1) Several finlets behind dorsal and anal fins.
2) Both dorsal fins standing near to each other.
3) Big, strong keel on caudal peduncle.
●) 11-12 fin rays in the first dorsal fin.
●) Back colouration greyishblueish to black, abdome light.
Common size up to 2 m, in former times over 3 m length and up to 560 kg weight.

Similar species

Plain bonito - first dorsal fin coloured black; three equally long keels on caudal peduncle (vs. a single large keel in bluefin tuna).

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

Biology

Lives together with animals of similar size in the free waters and undertakes seasonal migrations. The body size of adult animals reduces the number of natural enemies to Killer whales and long-finned pilot whales.

Diet

Feeds on other fish and cephalopods.

Importance

Of high commercial importance: very well-liked and expensive food fish.

Endangerment

Is threatened to extinction due to overfishing.