Overview
Large tuna, one of the most powerful predators in the Mediterranean.
Identification
Short pectoral finsLarge crescent-shaped mouthSmall round eyesSmooth, shiny skinStreamlined bodyDark blue colorTiny scalesDistinct dorsal fins
- Body
- Streamlined and robust body, built for speed.
- Colouration
- Dark blue on top, silver on the sides and belly.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent or not noticeable
- Growth
- Fast-growing, quickly reaching large sizes.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Scombridae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Thunnus albacaresThunnus obesusThunnus alalungaThunnus atlanticusKatsuwonus pelamis
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, open_sea, pelagic
- Preferred bottom
- open_sea
- Geographic distribution
- Found in the Mediterranean, Western and Eastern Atlantic.
- Micro-habitat
- Prefers open and deep waters, often near nutrient-rich currents.
Prefers waters with strong currents, where its primary prey are abundant.
Presence by sea area
Tirreno NordPeak
Tirreno CentroPeak
Tirreno SudPeak
Adriatico NordPeak
Adriatico CentroPeak
Adriatico SudPeak
Ionio NordPeak
Ionio CentroPeak
Sardegna OvestPeak
Sardegna EstPeak
Sicilia TirrenoPeak
Sicilia Ionio CanalePeak
Eu Mediterraneo OvestPeak
Eu Mediterraneo EstPeak
Eu Atlantico NePeak
Eu Golfo BiscagliaPeak
Eu Mare NordPeak
Eu Azzorre Madeira CanariePeak
Na Costa Est NordPeak
Na Costa Est CentroPeak
Na Costa Est SudPeak
Na Golfo MessicoPeak
Sa Atlantico SwPeak
Open Atlantico TropPeak
Open Atlantico TempPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- anchovies, sardines, mackerel
- Secondary prey
- mollusks, crustaceans, cephalopods
- Occasional prey
- small sharks, other pelagic fish
- Feeding behaviour
- Voracious predator, often forms large schools to surround and prey on small fish.
- Natural predators
- orca, great white shark, mako shark, human
Diet varies seasonally, following the migrations of fish schools.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- large_schools
- Aggressiveness
- high
- Migration
- Undertakes long transoceanic migrations for breeding and feeding.
- Seasonal behaviour
- Approaches coasts to spawn during warmer months, while spends colder months offshore.
- Juveniles
- Young tend to form small groups near the surface.
- Adults
- Adults form large schools and are highly active pelagic predators.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- May, June, July
- Spawning depth
- between 20 and 200 meters
- Eggs
- Pelagic eggs, small in size with high buoyancy
- Larval stage
- Larvae are planktonic, growing rapidly in surface waters.
- Sexual maturity
- 5-8 years
When to catch Bluefin tuna
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Daymattino, tarda mattina
Nightalba
This species shows peak fishing activity in summer, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in autumn and winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
More active on surface.
Medium
Regular activity mid-water.
High
Deeper, follows thermoclines.
Barometric trend
Water temperature
16°COptimal zone: 20-27°C30°C
Preferred tide: any
Where to catch it
Best spots
open seaocean currentspelagic barriersnear underwater canyons
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
trollinglonglinesport fishingspinning
Other applicable
Trolling OceanicoLive BaitingDriftingDrifting LeggeroPoppingSpinning OffshoreSpinning PesanteTraina CostieraVertical Jigging
Recommended baits
live fishluressardinessquid
Baits by pressure
Low
Cedar plugMetal jig extra heavy (300g+)Popper grande (GT)Skirted trolling (Pusher/Chugger)Soft plastic grande (20-30cm)Stickbait lungo (pelagici)Feather jig
Medium
Goggle-eye vivoSardina vivaSgombro vivoTonnetto vivoAcciuga vivaEsca viva (generica)Pezzo di pesce
High
Cedar plugGoggle-eye vivoMetal jig extra heavy (300g+)
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Strong and powerful, fights and makes rapid deep dives.
- Handling
- Handle carefully to avoid muscle and fin damage.
- Release
- Release quickly to reduce stress and injury.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- A 411.6 kg bluefin tuna was caught in 1979 off Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada, setting an IGFA all-tackle world record. In the Mediterranean, specimens over 300 kg are regarded as exceptional trophies, while in Italy, sport fishing records catches over 200 kg.
- In the kitchen
- Used for sushi, sashimi, and other delicacies in many international cuisines.
- Cultural notes
- A symbol of strength, often featured in cuisine and culture, emblematic of prosperity in traditional marine arts.
- Historical notes
- Tuna fishing documented since Roman times, an important economic resource in Mediterranean coastal towns.
