Black Fin Tuna

	Scientific Name	Thynnus balteatus
	Other Names	Deep-bodied tunny
	World Record	N/A

Description

As one of the smaller tuna species, the blackfin tuna has a robust, fusiform body, with small, compact scales completely covering the body. The blackfin tuna has a bluish-black back with gray to silver sides and a white belly. A broad, brown stripe is located along the upper portion of the eye. There is a prominent yellow to golden-colored lateral band present on the sides, usually fading upon death. Small iridescent areas located on the sides of the abdomen are silvery. This area is sometimes marked with vertical rows of pale dots along with slightly elongate spots between these rows. The dorsal finlets are dusky with bronzy reflections and white edges while the ventral finlets are usually gray. The absence of yellow on these finlets distinguishes the blackfin tuna from all other tunas. However, the dorsal finlets sometimes fade to yellow upon death.

Habitat

Occurring in oceanic waters in close proximity to the coastline, the blackfin tuna prefers clean water and warm temperatures, usually seaward from the continental shelf. It is a strongly schooling, migratory fish, often forming large mixed schools with skipjack tuna. During the summer months, the blackfin tuna migrates to temperate waters remaining above 70°F (21°C). It is most abundant off the Florida coast during autumn, winter, and spring.

Feeding Habits

Blackfin Tuna eats various fish, squid, shrimp, crabs, constitute the diet of the blackfin tuna. It often feeds in surface waters where they form large mixed schools with skipjack tuna. It directly competes with the skipjack tuna for prey, and is occasionally even preyed upon by it. Blackfin tuna feed by straining prey from the water as well as chasing and capturing prey which is then engulfed.

Age and Growth

Blackfin tuna reach a maximum size of 39 inches in length and 46 pounds in weight. They are most frequently taken at an average size of approximately 19.75 inches, corresponding to a weight of about 7 pounds. Maturity is reached at lengths of 16-20 inches. The blackfin tuna may live past 5 years of age. Growth rates have been reported at .4-.6 inches per month. The all-tackle world record for the blackfin tuna is 45 pounds 8 ounces caught off the coast of Florida. Spawning occurs in April through November off the Florida coast, and June to September in the Gulf of Mexico, well offshore in the blue oceanic waters of the Florida current as well as in the coastal waters of northern Brazil. The fish release sperm and eggs into the water column where fertilization occurs. The buoyant eggs produce pelagic larvae, little else is known about the eggs.

Tackle and Methods

Fishing methods for Blackfin Tuna include trolling whole baits such as mullet, mackerel, bonefish, ballyhoo, flying fish, and squid, as well as various types of artificial lures and sometimes strip baits.

Related Species

Listed below are similar related species that customers have searched.

	Atlantic Bonito		Tuna Longtail
	Tuna Big Eye		Tuna Skipjack
	Tuna Blue Fin		Tuna Yellow Fin
	Tuna / Tunny Little

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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