Fish info

IUCN Vulnerability status

Least concern

Short description

Blackfin tuna are the smallest species of tuna. They have an oval-shaped body with a dark bluish-black back, gray to silver sides, and a white belly which gives them an iridescent appearance in the water. A broad, brown/bronze stripe is located along the upper portion of the eye. There is a prominent yellow to golden-colored lateral band present on the sides, usually fading upon death. The second dorsal and anal fins are not elongated. The second dorsal fin is dusky and all finlets are dark with white edges. The long pectoral fin nearly reaches below the beginning of the second dorsal fin. They have durable, compact scales with an oblique mouth.

Habitat

Occurring in oceanic waters in close proximity to the coastline, blackfin tuna prefer clean water and warm temperatures, usually seaward from the continental shelf.

Distribution

Found in the western Atlantic from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Behaviour

It is a strong schooling and migratory fish. Various fish, squid, amphipods, shrimp, crabs, and stomatopods constitute the diet of the blackfin tuna. It often feeds in surface waters where they form large mixed schools with skipjack tuna.

Edibility

Very good, especially when eaten fresh. The taste and quality of blackfin tuna are comparable to that of its popular relatives and can be prepared in the same ways.

Lure suggestion

Methods of capture include trolling, drift fishing, and sport fishing with a pole and live bait (works best) or lures like ballyhoo rigs, small feathers, jigs, or cedar plugs. Good bait: sardine, herring, goggle eye or pilchard.

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