Little tunny

Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) is a species of tuna in the family Scombridae. It is the most common tuna in the Atlantic Ocean, and is also known as the false albacore.

Description

The Little Tunny is a fast-swimming predator that feeds on small fish and squid. It is characterized by its dark blue or greenish back, silver sides, and a series of dark spots on its lower sides. The species can reach a maximum length of 120 cm, but is commonly found at 50 cm.

Distribution and habitat

The Little Tunny is found in the Atlantic Ocean, from Massachusetts to Brazil in the west, and from the British Isles to South Africa in the east. It is also present in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. The species prefers warm, tropical and subtropical waters, and is commonly found near the surface.

Behavior and diet

The Little Tunny is a schooling fish that often forms large aggregations. It is a fast swimmer and an active predator, feeding mainly on small fish and squid. The species is also known to feed on crustaceans and cephalopods.

Fishing

The Little Tunny is a popular target for sport fishing, and is also commercially fished in some areas. Its flesh is considered of lower quality than that of other tuna species, but is still consumed fresh, canned, or smoked.

Conservation status

The Little Tunny is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due to its wide distribution and large population size. However, overfishing and habitat degradation pose potential threats to the species.

See also

• Tuna
• Scombridae
• Sport fishing

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Little_tunny

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  Little tunny illustration
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  X-ray of Euthynnus alletteratus
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  Little tunny feeding
• Little tunny caught in Cape Cod, 2015
  Little tunny caught in Cape Cod, 2015