FAMILY: Scombridae
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NAME: Tunnus thynnus - Blue Fin Tuna, Northern Blue Fin Tuna |
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Data provided courtesy of Aquaculture/Fisheries Center, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff - (Dr. Peter Perschbacher) |
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DISTRIBUTION:
Labrador, Newfoundland, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Brazil to Venezuela in Western Atlantic and Lofoten Island off Norway, Canary Island in Easter Atlantic and also in Mediterranean. In Pacific it is found near Japan, and in the Sea of Okhostk off Philippines. In Eastern Pacific it is found near Alaska to South California.HABITS: Epipelagic occasionally coming to the coastal waters, spend majority of the life roaming widely over the open ocean. The large eye and mouth confirms the predatory nature. Also it is a fast swimmer confirming that habit. Feed on a variety of fishes like Anchovies, sauries, hakes, as well as squids and crabs. Feed on artificial feed in captivity.SPAWNING: Becomes mature at the age of 4-5 years. Spawning occurs in the sea with millions of eggs released by the female during one season. It has been spawned in captivity in JapanGROWTH: At the age of 3 years they will be of 7 feet in length and weigh about 800 Lbs.USES: It is highly preferred food fish all over the world and fetches good price. CULTURE: Japan has tried with the culture of many of the tuna species and found that the potential for this species is very high due to the high market value and high growth rate. Young ones are caught from the sea and will be taken in to artificial enclosures in lagoons and atolls, to raise to marketable size. Floating cages also have been tried. The main lacuna being the high cost of feed. The trials to fertilize the artificial habitat to increase the natural production also has been found to be very expensive and will upset the ecological balance of the local habitat. There was a serious set back to the tuna market with the report of mercury content in the tuna, especially in USA and Canada. Later it has bounces back. REFERENCES:
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