English
Dragon moray eel
The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a highly migratory, large predatory fish renowned for its size, speed, and commercial value. It's a top predator in the marine ecosystem and plays a vital role in maintaining balance. This magnificent species faces significant conservation challenges due to its desirability.
10 15 years
Lifespan
92 cm
Length
Least Concern
Conservation Status
10 km/h
Swimming speed
Carnivorous
Diet
Sedentary
Migration
Appearance Overview
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a large, streamlined fish with a metallic blue body and a silvery-white underside.
Coloration
Dark metallic blue on top, silvery-white underside
Body Shape
Torpedo-shaped, built for speed and endurance
Fins
Two dorsal fins, the first depressible; small finlets running down the back and belly towards the tail
Length
Up to 13 feet (4 meters)
Weight
Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Diet
Carnivorous, feeding on a variety of fish, squid, crustaceans, and eels.
Feeding Behavior
Highly active predator that uses its speed and agility to hunt. Often hunts cooperatively, herding prey into tight groups.
Social Behavior
Forms large schools, especially during migration and spawning. Schools may be segregated by size.
Commercial Relevance
Extremely high value, particularly in the Japanese sushi and sashimi market. One fish can be sold for thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of dollars.
Conservation measures
Subject to international fishing quotas and management plans through organizations like ICCAT. Marine protected areas and efforts to reduce bycatch are also in place.
Status
Endangered (IUCN)
Threats
Overfishing (historically and continuing), bycatch in fishing gear targeting other species, climate change affecting prey distribution and spawning habitats.
Habitat Distribution
Depth Range
0-1,000 meters (0-3,280 feet), but typically found in the upper layers of the ocean.
Geographic Range
Western and Eastern Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea. Historically, also found in the Black Sea.
Preferred Environment
Pelagic, open ocean environments; prefers temperate waters but can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding Habits
Spawns in two main areas: the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Spawning occurs in warm waters during specific times of the year.
Development Stages
Eggs hatch into larvae, which are planktonic. They grow rapidly, undergoing several developmental stages before reaching adulthood.
Fecundity
Females are highly fecund, capable of releasing millions of eggs (up to 30 million) per spawning season.
Maturity Age
Reaches sexual maturity relatively late, around 4-8 years in the Mediterranean and 8-12 years in the western Atlantic.
Faqs about Dragon moray eel
Where are Atlantic bluefin tuna found?
Atlantic bluefin tuna are found throughout the North Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent seas, including the Mediterranean Sea.
How long do Atlantic bluefin tuna live?
They can live up to 40 years.
Are Atlantic bluefin tuna warm-blooded?
Atlantic bluefin tuna are warm-blooded, unlike most fish, allowing them to maintain a higher body temperature than the surrounding water.
Do they migrate?
Yes, they make extensive migrations across the Atlantic Ocean for feeding and spawning.
What do Atlantic bluefin tuna eat?
They primarily feed on smaller fish like herring and mackerel, as well as squid and crustaceans.
What is the biggest threat to the atlanic bluefin tuna?
The main threat is overfishing, driven by high demand in the sushi market.
NATURE STYLE
Copyright @ Nature Style Limited. All Rights Reserved.