Tuna

ID points

• Spindle-shaped body; very slender tail base with a lateral keel
• Deep blue back and silvery white belly, sharply divided
• A row of small finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins

Basics

Family

Scombridae

Length

0.6–2.5 m

Depth

0-500 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs · Caribbean & W. Atlantic · Temperate & polar · Open ocean

Distribution

Open ocean, temperate to tropical waters worldwide

Habitat

Open ocean, surface waters

Diet

Fish, cephalopods

Easily confused with

MackerelBlue-green back covered with dark wavy barsTrevallyDeep, flattened body; slender tail base with hard keeled scutesBarracudaLong spear-like body with a bright silvery sheen

Fun fact

Tuna are among the few fish that keep their body warmer than the water around them. They can reach 75 km/h, and they have to keep swimming in order to breathe.