Animal Profiles
Fish

Tuna

Scombridae (tunas and mackerels)

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Tunas are powerful marine swimmers. This account follows Atlantic bluefin tuna, a schooling predator with a metallic blue back, a silvery underside and a narrow, strongly keeled tail base.

Scientific illustration of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus).

Scientific illustration of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus).

At a glance

Location
Thunnus thynnus is the representative used here. The older source includes Pacific bluefin records now assigned to another species, so this account focuses on Atlantic populations and their Mediterranean and Gulf of Mexico spawning regions.
Habitat
Open ocean, Coast
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Adults pursue smaller fishes and other marine animals.

Classification

Common name
Tuna
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Scombridae (tunas and mackerels)
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Three things to know

  • It has small finlets behind the main fins.
  • It forms feeding groups.
  • It releases eggs into the water.

Habitat and range

Thunnus thynnus is the representative used here. The older source includes Pacific bluefin records now assigned to another species, so this account focuses on Atlantic populations and their Mediterranean and Gulf of Mexico spawning regions.

Appearance and adaptations

The pointed head leads into a streamlined body. Two dorsal fins, short pectoral fins and a series of small finlets shape the outline. The narrow tail base supports strong swimming.

Diet and behaviour

Adults pursue smaller fishes and other marine animals. Feeding groups can include similarly sized tuna of different species. Eggs and sperm are released into the water during spawning aggregations.

Sources

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