| Bluefin
Tuna HOME
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Family: |
Scombridae (Mackerel and Tunas) |
Genus and Species: |
Thunnus thynnus |
Description: |
The body of the bluefin tuna is cigar-shaped
and robust. The head is conical and the mouth rather large. The color is
dark blue above and gray below. Bluefin tuna can easily be distinguished
from other members of the tuna family by the relatively short length of their
pectoral fins. Their livers have a unique and definitive characteristic in
that they are covered with blood vessels (striated). In other tunas with
short pectoral fins, such vessels are either not present or present in small
numbers along the edges. |
Range: |
Worldwide in all but the coldest seas. Bluefin
tuna range throughout the eastern North Pacific Ocean with fish being taken
from Magdalena Bay, Baja California, to Shelikof Strait, Alaska. Most bluefin
tuna landed by California anglers are 1 or 2 year olds and weigh between
15 and 30 pounds. |
Natural History: |
Examination of a number of stomachs indicates
that while in California waters anchovies make up the bulk of the diet. Sanddabs,
surfperches, and white croakers are also consumed. |
Fishing Information: |
Bluefin tuna are seasonal visitors to California
waters. They usually appear in May and depart by October. Since they are
temperate tunas, their availability to anglers depends on water temperatures
in the 62° to 68° F degree range. They can be located by either
trolling feathers or anchoring at a spot known to be frequented by bluefin
tuna, and chumming with live anchovies. Once the fish are attracted, anglers
must use light line (12# test or less), small hooks (#4's or smaller), and
the "hottest" bait available that season (usually live anchovies or pieces
of squid). |
Other Common Names: |
leaping tuna, tuna, footballs, tunny, shortfin
tuna, ahi, great albacore. |
Largest Recorded: |
No length recorded; 363.5 pounds (California).
Weight to 495 pounds in the Pacific Ocean, and 1,500 pounds in the Atlantic
Ocean. |
Habitat: |
Pelagic Environment |
