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Tiktaalik
The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a magnificent and highly migratory fish renowned for its size, speed, and commercial value. This apex predator plays a critical role in the marine ecosystem. Sadly, they have been severely impacted by decades of overfishing.
Unknown Unknown years
Lifespan
120 - 275 cm
Length
Extinct
Conservation Status
Unknown km/h
Swimming speed
Carnivorous
Diet
Unknown
Migration
Appearance Overview
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a large, streamlined fish with a metallic blue body and a silvery underside.
Color
Dark metallic blue on top, silvery underside
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped, streamlined
Fins
Two dorsal fins, the first being yellow or blueish
Finlets
Yellow, edged with black, run down the back and belly
Length
Up to 13 feet (4 meters)
Weight
Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Diet
Carnivorous, feeding on fish, squid, crustaceans, and eels.
Feeding Behavior
Aggressive predators that hunt by sight, often working cooperatively to herd and capture prey. They can achieve high speeds in short bursts.
Social Behavior
Forms large schools, especially when young. Migratory, traveling long distances across oceans.
Commercial Relevance
Extremely high value, particularly in the Japanese sushi and sashimi market. Overfishing has significantly impacted its economic viability.
Conservation measures
International fishing quotas, catch limits, minimum size restrictions, and time-area closures. Efforts to improve fishing gear selectivity are ongoing.
Status
Endangered (IUCN)
Threats
Overfishing (primarily for sushi/sashimi), bycatch in other fisheries, climate change affecting prey distribution.
Habitat Distribution
Depth Range
0-1,000 meters (0-3,280 feet), but typically found in the upper layers of the ocean.
Geographic Range
Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and formerly the Black Sea. Western Atlantic and Eastern Atlantic/Mediterranean populations are recognized.
Preferred Environment
Temperate and subtropical waters; open ocean (pelagic) and coastal areas.
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 hatch into larvae, which are planktonic. Juveniles grow rapidly, forming large schools. Growth continues throughout their lives.
Fecundity
Females can produce up to 30 million eggs per spawning season, releasing them in batches.
Maturity Age
Matures at 4-8 years in the Western Atlantic, and earlier (around 3-5 years) in the Eastern Atlantic/Mediterranean.
Faqs about Tiktaalik
How long do Atlantic bluefin tuna live?
Atlantic bluefin tuna can live up to 40 years, though many do not reach this age due to fishing pressure.
How fast can Atlantic bluefin tuna swim?
They are among the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of short bursts of speed up to 43 mph (70 km/h).
Is it okay to eat Atlantic bluefin tuna?
Yes, but it's crucial to ensure it comes from a sustainable source certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Many populations are overfished.
Are bluefin tuna warm-blooded?
They are warm-blooded, which is unusual for fish. This allows them to maintain a higher body temperature than the surrounding water, aiding in muscle efficiency.
Why is bluefin tuna so expensive?
The high price is driven by demand in the Japanese sushi market, where the fatty belly meat (toro) is considered a delicacy. Limited supply due to overfishing also increases the price.
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