Atlantic Bonito

Atlantic Bonito

Sarda sarda
Atlantic Bonito

Average Weight/Length

Averages 4-10 pounds; maximum is possibly 20. World record 18 pounds, 4 ounces.

Other "Popular" Names for this Fish

Northern Bonito, Katonotel, Boston Mackerel

Location Habitat

The open sea, but roams to the beaches. Epipelagic, neritic and schooling species that may enter estuaries. Known to be cannibalistic, adults prey on small schooling fishes, invertebrates like squid and shrimps and can swallow relatively large prey. Eggs and larvae pelagic. Able to adapt to different temperatures 12° to 27°C and salinities 14 to 39

Biology & Physical Description

Differs from Little Tunny (previous) in having a series of wavy lines along upper half of body, and no spots on lower half. Additionally, its two dorsal fins are not divided. Dorsal spines (total): 20 - 23; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-18; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 14 - 17; Vertebrae: 50 - 55. Mouth moderately large. Laminae of olfactory rosette 21-39. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Body completely covered with very small scales posterior to the corselet. Swim bladder absent. Spleen large. Liver with elongate left and right lobe and short middle lobe. Oblique dorsal stripes with a greater angle than in other species of Sarda.

Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)

Summary of Distribution: Eastern Atlantic: Oslo, Norway to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Also known from the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Western Atlantic: Nova Scotia, Canada to Florida, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico; then from Colombia, Venezuela, and south of the Amazon River to northern Argentina; apparently absent from most of the Caribbean Sea.

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..

Kite Fishing (Trolling)

Kite Fishing Trolling is when you are....

River Drift

River Drift means to use the....

Trawling

Trawling is when....

Tackle & Baits

Usually overmatched with ocean trolling gear, but a great target, when the opportunity arises, for light casting tackle. Eagerly hits spoons, jigs and streamer flies, and also live fish and strip baits.

Game Rating

Game Rating : 8/10

Game Description :

Like other Tunas, an excellent fighter.

Food Rating

Game Rating : 4/10

Game Description :

Not well regarded but good. Utilized fresh, dried or salted, smoked, canned and frozen.

Picture (Fish)