How big is the Bigeye tuna?

Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) reaches 100–250 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Bigeye tuna?

Bigeye tuna is found between 0–500 m deep.

Where can you find the Bigeye tuna?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia.

Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Thunnus obesus
Common name: Bigeye tuna
Category: Fish
Family: Scombridae
Genus: Thunnus
Size: 100–250 cm
Depth: 0–500 m
IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: open-water
Behaviours: schooling, fast-moving
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia

Description

Thunnus obesus reaches 2.5 m and 210 kg. Circumtropical tuna with more rounded stocky fusiform body than T. albacares, with characteristic large black eyes (hence bigeye). Lives from 0 to 500 m in open water (deeper than other Thunnus) of all tropical and subtropical oceans. Listed VU by IUCN following massive longline overfishing. Main commercial fishery on red/yellow tuna in deep open water. Red flesh highly prized for sashimi. Rare recreational diving encounters given depths. Very rare wide-angle photo subject, mostly observed from boats.

Photo of Bigeye tuna

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Bigeye tuna?: Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) reaches 100–250 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Bigeye tuna?: Bigeye tuna is found between 0–500 m deep.
Is the Bigeye tuna dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Bigeye tuna?: IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
Where can you find the Bigeye tuna?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia.

Other species in the genus Thunnus

Other species in the family Scombridae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 127028)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2373996)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia