Appearance
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