Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 458 cm.
Atlantic Ocean on both sides and the Mediterranean Sea; migrates across the entire ocean and spawns in warmer waters.
Description
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a huge, torpedo-shaped predator of the family Scombridae that can reach about 4.5 metres and hundreds of kilograms. The streamlined body is metallic blue above and silvery-white below, with a sickle-shaped tail and a row of small separate finlets before the tail. Like its relatives the species is partly warm-blooded, enabling its powerful muscles and high speed; it is among the fastest fish. The species lives in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and makes enormous migrations, returning to warm seas to spawn. It hunts herring-like fish, mackerel and squid in schools. The Atlantic bluefin is highly prized for the sushi market; after stricter management the eastern population recovered and the species is again assessed as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic bluefin tuna?
The Atlantic bluefin tuna has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Enormous, torpedo-shaped predator with a sickle-shaped tail and a row of small finlets before the tail; partly warm-blooded and one of the fastest fishes.
Where does the Atlantic bluefin tuna live?
The Atlantic bluefin tuna lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Atlantic Ocean on both sides and the Mediterranean Sea; migrates across the entire ocean and spawns in warmer waters.
How big does the Atlantic bluefin tuna get?
The Atlantic bluefin tuna grows to a maximum of about 458 cm. On average the species is around 200 cm.
Is the Atlantic bluefin tuna dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic bluefin tuna is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Atlantic bluefin tuna edible?
Yes, the Atlantic bluefin tuna is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Atlantic bluefin tuna and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Thunnus
More from the family Scombridae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic bluefin tuna?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic bluefin tuna is one of 12,519 species in the app.