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Skipjack Tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Appearance

Illustration of a skipjack tuna showing important characteristics

Also known as oceanic bonito.

  • Back is dark purplish-blue, fading to silvery lower sides and belly
  • 4 to 6 horizontal stripes on lower part of sides
  • Relatively short pectoral fins

Similar Species: Little tunny, E. alletteratus; and Atlantic bonito, S. sarda (both have stripes on back, not on lower sides)

Size: Up to 43 inches 

Habitat

Offshore waters

Behavior

Feed on fishes and invertebrates

Additional Information

Recreational Regulations

 

Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles