Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Thunnus thynnus
- Common name
- Atlantic bluefin tuna
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Scombridae
- Genus
- Thunnus
- Size
- 100–458 cm
- Depth
- 0–987 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- schooling, fast-moving
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Thunnus thynnus reaches 458 cm and 680 kg. Largest tuna in the world. Perfect spindle-shaped body metallic blue above, silver below, small yellow finlets. Thermoregulated, maintains 28-30 C even in cold waters thanks to counter-current circulatory system. Spectacular transatlantic migrations between spawning zones (Med, Gulf of Mexico) and northern nurseries. Populations recovering after collapse. Electric encounters in Azores (hunting passes) near Condor and Princess Alice mounts. Highly prized pelagic for gastronomy (sushi).
Photo of Atlantic bluefin tuna
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Atlantic bluefin tuna?
- Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) reaches 100–458 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Atlantic bluefin tuna?
- Atlantic bluefin tuna is found between 0–987 m deep.
- Is the Atlantic bluefin tuna dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Atlantic bluefin tuna?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Atlantic bluefin tuna?
- Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Thunnus
Other species in the family Scombridae
- Scomber scombrus - Atlantic mackerel
- Katsuwonus pelamis - Skipjack tuna
- Sarda sarda - Atlantic bonito
- Euthynnus affinis - Kawakawa
- Auxis rochei - Bullet tuna
- Euthynnus alletteratus - Little tunny
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 127029)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2373980)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia