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Zebrafish
The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a highly migratory, large pelagic fish renowned for its size, speed, and commercial value. It is a top predator in the marine ecosystem and plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ocean life. This species is under considerable threat.
3 5 years
Lifespan
4 - 5 cm
Length
Least Concern
Conservation Status
40 km/h
Swimming speed
Omnivorous
Diet
Local Migration
Migration
Appearance Overview
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a large, torpedo-shaped fish with a metallic blue-black back and a silvery-white underside.
Coloration
Dark metallic blue on top, silvery-white underside
Body Shape
Torpedo-shaped, streamlined for speed
Fins
Two dorsal fins, the first depressible; small finlets behind dorsal and anal fins
Keel
Strong lateral keel on the caudal peduncle
Length
Up to 13 feet (4 meters), commonly around 6.5 feet (2 meters)
Weight
Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg), commonly around 550 lbs (250 kg)
Diet
Carnivorous; feeds on a variety of fish (such as mackerel, herring, and bluefish), squid, crustaceans, and eels.
Feeding Behavior
Highly opportunistic predator; uses its speed and agility to hunt. Often hunts cooperatively, herding and trapping prey.
Social Behavior
Forms large schools, especially during migration and spawning. Schools can be segregated by size. Highly migratory.
Commercial Relevance
Extremely high value, particularly in the sushi and sashimi markets of Japan. Overfishing to meet this demand has significantly depleted populations.
Conservation measures
International fishing quotas managed by ICCAT, seasonal closures, minimum size limits, and efforts to reduce bycatch.
Status
Endangered (IUCN)
Threats
Overfishing (primarily driven by demand for sushi), bycatch in other fisheries, climate change affecting prey distribution and spawning grounds.
Habitat Distribution
Depth Range
Surface waters to depths of over 3,000 feet (1,000 meters), but typically found in the upper layers of the water column.
Geographic Range
Western and Eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and formerly in the Black Sea.
Preferred Environment
Pelagic, open ocean; prefers temperate and subtropical waters. Migrates to specific spawning grounds.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding Habits
Spawns in warm waters, primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Spawning occurs in large aggregations.
Development Stages
Eggs are pelagic (free-floating). Larvae develop rapidly, feeding on plankton. Juveniles grow quickly, reaching significant size within their first year.
Fecundity
Highly fecund; a large female can release up to 30 million eggs per spawning season.
Maturity Age
Reaches sexual maturity at around 4-8 years in the Mediterranean and 8-12 years in the western Atlantic.
Faqs about Zebrafish
Where are Atlantic bluefin tuna found?
Atlantic bluefin tuna are found across the North Atlantic Ocean and in the Mediterranean Sea.
How long do Atlantic bluefin tuna live?
They can live up to 40 years, though many do not reach this age due to fishing pressure.
What do Atlantic bluefin tuna eat?
They primarily eat smaller fish, squid, crustaceans, and eels.
Are Atlantic bluefin tuna warm-blooded?
They are warm-blooded, which allows them to maintain a higher body temperature than the surrounding water, giving them an advantage in speed and endurance.
Do Atlantic bluefin tuna migrate?
Yes, they are highly migratory, traveling vast distances across the Atlantic for feeding and spawning.
How many eggs do female bluefin tuna lay?
Females can release millions of eggs per spawning season.
Why are the Tuna endangered?
They are classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to severe population declines from overfishing.
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