Little tunny

Little tunny
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Scombriformes
Family: Scombridae
Genus: Euthynnus
Species:
E. alletteratus
Binomial name
Euthynnus alletteratus
(Rafinesque, 1810)
Range of the little tunny
Synonyms[2]
  • Scomber alletteratus Rafinesque, 1810
  • Gymnosarda alletterata (Rafinesque, 1810)
  • Scomber quadripunctatus Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817
  • Euthynnus quadripunctatus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817)
  • Thynnus leachianus Risso, 1827
  • Thynnus thunina Cuvier, 1829
  • Euthynnus thunina (Cuvier, 1829)
  • Orcynus thunnina (Cuvier, 1829)
  • Thynnichthys thunnina (Cuvier, 1829)
  • Thynnus brevipinnis Cuvier, 1832
  • Thynnichthys brevipinnis (Cuvier, 1832)
  • Thynnus brasiliensis Cuvier, 1832
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The little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus), also known as the false albacore, little tuna, bonita, or erroneously as the blue bonito, is a species of tuna in the family Scombridae. It can be found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean and Black seas; in the western Atlantic, it ranges from Brazil to the New England states. The little tunny is a pelagic fish that can be found regularly in both offshore and inshore waters, and it is classified as a highly migratory species.[3][4] The little tunny is best identified by the "worm-like" markings on its back and the dark spots appearing between its pectoral and ventral fins.[5]

Commercially, the fish is used as bait for sharks and marlin due to its high oil content and hook retention. Because of its strong "fishy" taste and the considerable effort required to prepare it, the little tunny is considered by many to be a rough fish and is not commonly eaten.[6][7] However, it is sought after as a sport fish due to its line-stripping 64 km/h (40 mph) runs and hard fighting ability when hooked. By trolling with lures near reefs, it can be caught on hook and line.[6]

  1. ^ Collette, B.B.; Di Natale, A.; Miller, S.; Pollard, D.A. (2023). "Euthynnus alletteratus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2023: e.T170345A46940313. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T170345A46940313.en. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  2. ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Euthynnus alletteratus". FishBase. February 2018 version.
  3. ^ Majkowski 2010.
  4. ^ "Learn about the Little Tunny". guidesly.com. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  5. ^ Schultz 2004, p. 259.
  6. ^ a b Bester, Cathleen. "Little Tunny". Ichthyology Section. Florida Museum of Natural History. Archived from the original on 2013-06-03. Retrieved 25 October 2010.
  7. ^ Steve Junker (16 September 2016). "Yummy or Not? The Myth of the Inedible False Albacore". capeandislands.org. Retrieved 21 April 2022.