Katsuwonus pelamis, commonly known as the skipjack tuna, is a highly migratory species found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. It has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body, dark purplish-blue on the back with a silvery belly marked by four to six dark bands. Known for its fast swimming speed and schooling behavior, it plays a crucial role in marine food webs.

The skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is native to tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Its geographical distribution includes the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. It is commonly found in regions such as the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the waters surrounding Japan, Hawaii, and the Philippines.

Skipjack tuna typically inhabit warm, epipelagic waters, usually between the surface and 260 meters deep. They prefer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. These fish are often found in both coastal and open ocean environments, often near the surface where water temperatures are higher.

As a pelagic species, the skipjack tuna occupies a niche as a fast-swimming predator, primarily feeding on smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. They play a critical role in the marine food web as both predators and prey, supporting larger marine species such as sharks and larger tuna. Due to their schooling behavior, skipjack tunas are known to form large groups, which can influence local marine biodiversity and food availability.