English
Pike
The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a majestic and powerful fish, renowned for its size, speed, and commercial value. It is a highly migratory species, traversing vast oceanic distances. This top predator plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem.
7 25 years
Lifespan
40 - 55 cm
Length
Least Concern
Conservation Status
8 km/h
Swimming speed
Carnivorous
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 belly.
Coloration
Dark metallic blue on top, silvery-white underside
Fins
Two dorsal fins, the first depressible
Body Shape
Torpedo-shaped, streamlined for speed
Finlets
Small finlets running from the second dorsal and anal fins to 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, using speed and coordinated hunting in schools to capture prey. They are opportunistic feeders.
Social Behavior
Forms schools, often segregating by size. Highly migratory, capable of crossing entire oceans.
Commercial Relevance
Extremely high value, particularly in the sushi and sashimi markets. One of the most expensive fish species globally.
Conservation measures
Subject to international fishing quotas, stock management plans, and monitoring programs. Some regions have implemented stricter regulations and marine protected areas.
Status
Endangered (Varies by population segment; some are recovering, others are still depleted)
Threats
Overfishing (historically and ongoing), illegal and unreported fishing, bycatch in other fisheries, climate change affecting prey distribution.
Habitat Distribution
Depth Range
0-1,000 meters (typically in the upper layers, but can dive deeper)
Geographic Range
Western and Eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, historically in the Black Sea.
Preferred Environment
Temperate and subtropical waters; pelagic (open ocean) and coastal environments.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding Habits
Spawns in warm waters, primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Spawning occurs in specific areas with suitable conditions.
Development Stages
Eggs hatch into larvae, which develop rapidly in plankton-rich waters. Juveniles grow quickly, eventually reaching maturity.
Fecundity
Females are highly fecund, capable of producing up to 30 million eggs per season.
Maturity Age
Matures at 4-8 years in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, and 8-12 years in the Western Atlantic.
Faqs about Pike
Where can Atlantic bluefin tuna be found?
Atlantic bluefin tuna are found in the Atlantic Ocean, both in the western and eastern parts, and the Mediterranean Sea.
How long do Atlantic bluefin tuna live?
They can live up to 40 years or more.
How fast can Atlantic bluefin tuna swim?
They are among the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of bursts of speed up to 43 mph (70 km/h).
Are Atlantic bluefin tuna warm-blooded?
They are warm-blooded, which is unusual for fish. This helps them maintain high body temperatures, aiding in muscle efficiency and speed.
Do Atlantic bluefin tuna migrate?
Yes, they are highly migratory, often traveling thousands of miles across oceans for feeding and spawning.
How many eggs can a female bluefin tuna lay?
Females can produce up to 30 million eggs per spawning season.
What do Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Eat?
They primarily eat fish, squid, crustaceans, and other marine organisms.
What is the conservation status of the Bluefin Tuna?
Bluefin tuna are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Are Atlantic Bluefin Tuna farmed?
Atlantic bluefin tuna are not typically farmed due to their migratory nature, large size, and specific dietary needs; however, there are ongoing efforts in some regions to develop sustainable aquaculture practices.
NATURE STYLE
Copyright @ Nature Style Limited. All Rights Reserved.