Little Tunny

Little Tunny

Euthynnus alletteratus
Little Tunny

Average Weight/Length

Common anywhere from a couple of pounds to 15 pounds; exceeds 30 pounds. World record 35 pounds, 2 ounces

Other "Popular" Names for this Fish

Blue Bonito, False Albacore, Little Tuna

Location Habitat

Found in neritic waters close inshore. This schooling species is an opportunistic predator which feeds on virtually everything within its range, i.e. crustaceans, fishes (mainly clupeoid), squids, heteropods and tunicates. Eggs and larvae are pelagic. Specialized traps (madragues) are used in Tunisia and Morocco. Diving bird flocks may indicate large schools

Biology & Physical Description

Wavy lines on back and spots around pectoral fin make this one easy to identifyÐbut it is well known anyway to nearly every angler who ventures very far from shore. Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11 - 15; Vertebrae: 39. Anterior spines of first dorsal fin much higher than the those mid-way, giving the fin a strongly concave outline. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Body naked except for corselet and lateral line. Swim bladder absent. Incipient protuberances on 33rd and 34th vertebrae. Back with broken oblique stripes. Caudal peduncle with 7-8 finlets. Dark stripes on the back and with 3-7 dark spots between pelvic and pectoral fins.

Life Cycle & Mating Behavior

Eggs are shed in several batches when the water is warmest.

Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)

Summary of Distribution: Atlantic Ocean: in tropical and subtropical waters, including the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Highly migratory species

Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

Sport Fishing Techniques

Gill nets

Gill-nets are the dominant gear in the Indian Ocean. Gill-nets are used in artisanal and semi-industrial fisheries, contributing to 30-40% of the total catch. The net design is comprised of continuous panels of uniform mesh size, aimed to trap fish behind the gills. The International Sustainable Seafood Foundation (ISSF) notes that rates of sharks and turtle by-catch in Indian Ocean gill-net fisheries are high..

River Drift

River Drift means to use the....

Tackle & Baits

Schools can often be approached and cast to with jigs, spoons and small plugs. They can be moody and selective, however, so you may have to try various baits and retrieves. Also a good fish for fly casters - with same advice. Often caught from piers on the Atlantic Coast and Panhandle, usually with tackle of surf dimensions. Trollers take them on everything from offshore lures and rigged Ballyhoo or Cigar Minnows to small feathers.

Game Rating

Game Rating : 8.5/10

Game Description :

Outstanding battler on light tackle.

Food Rating

Game Rating : 6/10

Game Description :

Not highly valued, but very good when lighter meat is separated from the darker. Utilized fresh, dried-salted, smoked, canned and frozen

Picture (Fish)