An occasionally schooling species which feeds mainly on krill (euphausiids), and also on squids and small fishes. Juveniles are found between 20 and 35°S at surface temperatures ranging from 19 to 24°C. Its flesh is paler than that of most true tunas and is very oily, but the cooked meat has fine eating qualities. Mainly marketed fresh.
Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 13; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 13 - 14; Vertebrae: 40. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Body naked ventrally behind the long anterior corselet. Dorsal half of body to lateral line covered with scales. Swim bladder absent. The back is bluish, turning to deep purple or almost black on the head; the belly is white, without stripes or spots; the pectoral and pelvic fins purple, their inner sides black.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
Behavioural data for Slender tuna is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Slender tuna is currently being compiled.
Reproduction data for Slender tuna is currently being compiled.
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 20 m . Subtropical; 10°S - 50°S, 180°W - 180°E Southern Ocean: circumglobal.
krill (euphausiids), and also on squids and small fishes
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasterochisma fallai | Serventy | 1948 | Synonym |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 1 records indexed .
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