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Bonito (Auxis thazard) — Scombridae

Bonito

Auxis thazard
Family: Scombridae
LC · Least Concern

The Bonito (Auxis thazard) is a saltwater fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 65 cm.

Length
65 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
50.0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Highly prized

Description

The frigate tuna is a small, fast tuna-like fish of the mackerel family (Scombridae) found worldwide in warm seas. The species grows to about 65 cm and has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with a blue-green back, silvery flanks and a forked, crescent-shaped tail. Adults are epipelagic in neritic and oceanic waters and often form large schools. They feed on small fishes, squid and planktonic crustaceans. Owing to its abundance the frigate tuna is an important commercial and sport fish and prey for larger predators. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bonito?

The Bonito has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Bonito live?

The Bonito lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Bonito get?

The Bonito grows to a maximum of about 65 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.

Is the Bonito dangerous to humans?

No, the Bonito is harmless to humans.

Is the Bonito edible?

Yes, the Bonito is a highly prized food fish.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Fregatmakreel sourced
English name
Bonito verified
Scientific name
Auxis thazard
Family
Scombridae
Other names
Bonito; Bullet mackerel; Cummalmum; Firgate tuna; Frigate mackerel verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
65.0 verified
Average length (cm)
60.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
50.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
5.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Highly prized sourced
Fishing method
Sneltrollen of werpen met kleine kunstaasjes en veertjes rond aasvisscholen. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Auxis

More from the family Scombridae

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