ANIMAL SPECIES:Mackerel Tuna, Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1850)
Mackerel Tuna can be recognised by the pattern of broken diagonal lines on the upper sides and two or five dark spots above the pelvic fin.
Identification
Mackerel Tuna can be recognised by the pattern of broken diagonal lines on the upper sides and two or five dark spots above the pelvic fin.
Size range
The species grows to about 1 m in length.Distribution
The species occurs throughout the tropical and temperate Indo-West and Central Pacific Oceans.
In Australia the Mackerel Tuna is known from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and down the east coast to southern New South Wales.
Habitat
The species is usually found in coastal and offshore waters.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
It is a fast-swimming pelagic species that feeds on fishes, shrimps and cephalopods. It is preyed upon by marlins and sharks.
Living with us
Economic/social impacts
It is an important commercial species in many countries.
Classification
- Species:
- affinis
- Genus:
- Euthynnus
- Family:
- Scombridae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292. Collette, B.B. 2001. Scombridae in Carpenter, K.E. & V.H. Niem (Eds). FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 6. Bony Fishes part 4 (Labridae to Latimeriidae), estuarine crocodiles, sea turtles, sea snakes and marine mammals. FAO, Rome. Pp. iii-v, 3381-4218.
- Collette, B.B. & C.E. Nauen. 1983. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 2. Scombrids of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of tunas, mackerels, bonitos and related species known to date. FAO Fish. Synop. No. 125: i-vii + 1-137.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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