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Bonito (Sarda chiliensis) — Scombridae

Bonito

Sarda chiliensis
Family: Scombridae
LC · Least Concern

The Bonito (Sarda chiliensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 102 cm.

Length
102 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–100.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Pacific bonito is a fast, schooling tuna-like fish of the mackerel family (Scombridae) from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about one metre and has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with a blue-green back with oblique dark stripes and a silvery belly. It is a coastal species that forms large, fast schools. As a fast predator it hunts small schooling fishes, squid and crustaceans. The Pacific bonito reaches maturity at two years and is an important commercial and sport fish. It has small, sharp teeth but 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 102 cm.

Is the Bonito dangerous to humans?

No, the Bonito is harmless to humans.

Is the Bonito edible?

Yes, the Bonito is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Pacifische bonito sourced
English name
Bonito verified
Scientific name
Sarda chiliensis
Family
Scombridae
Other names
Eastern Pacific bonito; Pacific bonito verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
102.0 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)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
100.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Sportvissen met kunstaas of (dood/levend) aasvis door te trollen, te werpen of drijvend te vissen in open water. inferred
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 Sarda

More from the family Scombridae

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