Skipjack tuna

Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), also known as Arctic bonito or Striped tuna, is a medium-sized pelagic fish species in the tuna family, Scombridae. It is a fast-swimming pelagic fish that lives in warm seas. It is extensively fished commercially and is popular in warm waters particularly in the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Description

The skipjack tuna is a streamlined, fast-swimming fish, with a slender body that is round in the cross-section. It has two dorsal fins, with the second dorsal fin very similar to the anal fin, which is situated very near the tail. The body is mostly without scales, with only a corselet of large, thick scales forming a circle around the body behind the head.

Distribution and habitat

Skipjack tuna are found throughout the world in the warm waters of the tropical and subtropical oceans. They are highly migratory and are known to move between both inshore and offshore waters. They are typically found in surface waters where the temperature is above 15 °C.

Diet

Skipjack tuna are predators that primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. They are known to feed heavily on squid and shrimp, as well as on small schooling fish such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel.

Commercial importance

Skipjack tuna is one of the most important commercial fish species in the world. It is used extensively in canned tuna, and is also popular in sashimi. The fishing industry for skipjack tuna is a major source of income for many countries, particularly those in the Pacific Islands.

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists the skipjack tuna as a species of Least Concern. However, overfishing is a significant threat to the species, and there are ongoing efforts to manage and conserve skipjack tuna populations.

See also

• List of tuna species
• Commercial fishing
• Overfishing

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  Skipjack tuna

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  Shoal of skipjack tuna

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  Skipjack tuna capture production, million tonnes, 1950-2022

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  Bell Shimada and Fred Cleaver examining skipjack

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  Katsuo Fish with Cherry Buds, from the series Uozukushi (Every Variety of Fish)