1. There Are 15 Types of Tuna
A tuna is a saltwater fish belonging to the Scombridae family (mackerel family). Two groups—sometimes referred to as “tribes”—dominate the tuna species. The first one is the Thunnini genus, which is distinguished by its two unique dorsal fins and extremely thick body. They are referred to as “genuine tunas.” There are 15 different species of Thunnini, the most popular species for recreational and commercial tuna fisheries are albacore, bigeye, bluefin, skipjack, and yellowfin. The other group is from Sardini, where the smaller true bonito species, such as the dogtooth tuna, more closely resemble mackerel than some other tuna species.
2. Fishing for Tuna Has Been Documented For Thousands of Years
Ancient civilizations engaged in tuna fishing, which the Arabs brought to the Mediterranean Sea and Europe around the year 1000History experts believe that tuna fishing dates back at least 2,000 years. Since the 18th and 19th centuries, the Pacific Islands and Japan have depended significantly on tuna. According to historians, the Greek philosopher Aristotle provided a brief description of bluefin tuna in his book “History of Animals” from 350 BC.
3. They Prey on a Variety of Other Fish
Tuna live in every ocean in the world, and they consume a diverse diet to match. In the open ocean, tuna typically eat migratory fish and squid. Small tuna species frequently consume smaller fish, crustaceans, and squid. Other marine mammals, octopus, squid, and bigger fish are all consumed by giant tunas. The powerful jaws and teeth of tuna allow them to effortlessly shred apart their prey. Additionally, they have a keen sense of smell, which aids them in locating prey in the water.
4. They Eat a Tremendous Amount of Food
A typical tuna consumes fish and crustaceans equal to about 10% of their body weight every day. Bigger tuna, such as the bluefin, can grow up to 12 feet long and weigh a record-breaking 1500 pounds! This tuna must eat up to 25% of its body weight every day to maintain its muscle strength since they spend a lot of time swimming through waterways.
5. Tuna Are Incredible Predators
Sharks might be the first creature that springs to mind when talking about ocean predators, but bluefin tuna should also be highlighted. One of the most numerous fish in the water, the bluefin tuna, may quickly outgrow a shark. They are considered prominent ocean predators because they enjoy pursuing a variety of fish species. Tuna contributes to the stability of the ocean ecosystem as a top predator in the aquatic food chain.
6. Their Size Varies Greatly
Depending on the species, tuna can range substantially in weight. They might weigh as little as 3 pounds or as much as 1000 pounds. For instance, an albacore tuna typically measures 15 to 40 inches long and weighs 10 to 25 pounds. The bluefin tuna is the biggest member of the tuna family. Although there have been instances of these tuna exceeding 1,500 pounds in weight, the typical adult Bluefin tuna weighs 500 pounds and can reach a length of seven feet!
7. Tuna Are Amazingly Fast Swimmers
Tuna use swimming to cover large distances. The tuna’s robust fins and oval bodies allow them to swim at amazing speeds. Due to their distinct body composition, fins, and scales, some tuna species can swim up to 43 miles per hour.
8. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Are Considered a Delicacy in Some Countries
Some people rely on tuna as a sustenance and a source of money. In fact, to many, they are a delicacy! Asia, where it is a highly sought-after specialty for sushi and sashimi, has seen the sale of a single Atlantic bluefin fish go for approximately $1.75 million. Because it is so expensive, fishermen utilize ever-more-advanced techniques to catch tuna. Tuna fish are vanishing as a result.
9. They Are Being Over Fished Due To Illegal Fishing
Lack of management and oversight of the Atlantic bluefin fisheries has been a serious issue considering the prevalence of illicit fishing. Bluefin tuna have deteriorated sharply over the past few decades due to overfishing and illicit fishing.
10. Tuna Are Tagged for Data
Thanks to substantial research and data collected, we have a deeper understanding of the migratory habits of bluefin tuna and are able to advise fisheries managers on the best strategies to protect the species. More field tagging work will help fill in gaps in knowledge about the bluefin tuna’s biology and contribute to the fish’s long-term survival.
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