Blackfin tuna
📖 Overview
Found in oceanic waters, sometimes not far from the coast . Forms large mixed schools with the skipjack tuna. Its spawning grounds are located well offshore. Preys on surface and deep-sea fishes, squids, amphipods, shrimps, crabs and stomatopods and decapod larvae. The largest fishery for blackfin tuna operates off the southeastern coast of Cuba and uses live-bait and pole. Utilized fresh, dried or salted, canned and frozen .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 13 - 14; Vertebrae: 39. : fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blackfin tuna is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 50 m. Tropical; 20°C - ? ; 43°N - 28°S, 100°W - 26°W south to Trinidad Island and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- heavy 30-80 lb class trolling rod
- conventional reel
- 80-130 lb wind-on leader
- temperature breaks
- floating debris
- current edges
- offshore seamounts
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ International management (ICCAT, WCPFC). Strict quotas and size limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blackfin tuna is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 310 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blackfin tuna has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (oily fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orcynus balteatus | Cuvier | 1832 | Synonym |
| Parathunnus ambiguus | Mowbray | 1935 | Synonym |
| Parathunnus atlanticus | Lesson | 1831 | Synonym |
| Parathunnus rosengarteni | Fowler | 1934 | Synonym |
| Scomber coretta | Cuvier | 1829 | Heterotypic |
| Thunnus balteatus | Cuvier | 1832 | Synonym |
| Thunnus coretta | Cuvier | 1829 | Heterotypic |
| Thynnus atlanticus | Lesson | 1831 | Synonym |
| Thynnus balteatus | Cuvier | 1832 | Synonym |
| Thynnus coretta | Cuvier | 1829 | Heterotypic |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 16 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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