English
Bladefin Basslet
The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a majestic and powerful fish, renowned for its incredible speed, size, and endurance. It plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem and holds significant cultural and economic value. This species is a marvel of nature, capable of transoceanic migrations and deep dives.
3 5 years
Lifespan
4.0 - 6.0 cm
Length
Least Concern
Conservation Status
5 km/h
Swimming speed
Carnivorous
Diet
Sedentary
Migration
Appearance Overview
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is renowned for its metallic blue top and silvery-white underside, built for speed and endurance.
Color
Dark metallic blue on top with a silvery underside
Body Shape
Torpedo-like, streamlined for efficient swimming
Fins
Two dorsal fins, the first is yellow or bluish; the second is reddish-brown
Length
Up to 13 feet (4 meters)
Weight
Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Diet
Carnivorous, feeding on a variety of fish, squid, eels, and crustaceans.
Feeding Behavior
Hunts by sight, using its speed and agility to capture prey, often feeding near the surface but can dive deeply.
Social Behavior
Forms large schools, sometimes segregated by size, and undertakes long migrations across oceans.
Commercial Relevance
Extremely high value, especially in sushi and sashimi markets, driving significant economic interest.
Conservation measures
Subject to strict fishing quotas, international agreements, and monitoring programs aimed at sustainable management.
Status
Endangered
Threats
Overfishing, illegal fishing, and bycatch in fisheries targeting other species.
Habitat Distribution
Depth Range
0-1,000 meters, with frequent deep dives
Geographic Range
Western and eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and formerly in the Black Sea.
Preferred Environment
Prefers temperate waters; highly migratory, moving across entire ocean basins.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding Habits
Spawns in two main areas: the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, with spawning occurring in warm waters.
Development Stages
Eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on plankton. Juveniles grow rapidly, feeding on a wider variety of prey as they mature.
Fecundity
Females can produce up to 30 million eggs per spawning season, releasing them into the water for external fertilization.
Maturity Age
Reaches sexual maturity at around 4-8 years, depending on the population and environmental conditions.
Faqs about Bladefin Basslet
Is it okay to eat Atlantic bluefin tuna?
Yes, but it must be sourced from sustainable fisheries due to its endangered status.
How long do Atlantic bluefin tuna live?
Atlantic bluefin tuna can live up to 40 years.
Where can I find Atlantic bluefin tuna?
They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Mexico, and off the coast of Canada.
How fast can Atlantic bluefin tuna swim?
Atlantic bluefin tuna can swim at speeds up to 43 miles per hour (70 kilometers per hour).
What's the biggest Atlantic bluefin tuna ever caught?
The largest Atlantic bluefin tuna ever recorded weighed 1,496 pounds (679 kg).
NATURE STYLE
Copyright @ Nature Style Limited. All Rights Reserved.