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Atlantic Bonito

Sarda sarda

Appearance

Illustration of an Atlantic bonito showing important characteristics

Also known as true bonito and northern bonito.

  • Mostly straight, diagonal stripes on back
  • Dark blue color on back and upper sides
  • Lack dark stripes on belly
  • Relatively short pectoral fins

Similar Species: Little tunny, E. alletteratus (wavy dark stripes on back; 4 to 5 dark spots below pectoral fin); and skipjack tuna, K. pelamis (stripes on lower sides, not on back) 

Size: Up to 36 inches 

Habitat

Coastal to offshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean (rarely found in the Gulf).

Behavior

Feed on small fishes and invertebrates

Additional Information

Recreational Regulations

 

Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles