Fin's Fish Guide
The Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 110 cm.
Widespread in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, also in the eastern Atlantic up to Europe, pelagic in open water.
Description
The skipjack tuna is a streamlined, fast tuna of the family Scombridae reaching about 1.1 metres. The back is steel-blue to black, the belly silver with four to six dark lengthwise stripes; small separate finlets stand before the crescent-shaped tail. Like other tunas it is more warm-blooded than most fish and can swim very fast. The species is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, including the eastern Atlantic up to Europe, and forms large schools that often hunt schooling fish, squid and crustaceans together with dolphins and seabirds. Skipjack is the most heavily caught tuna species worldwide and the main raw material for canned tuna.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Skipjack tuna?
The Skipjack tuna has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Streamlined, fast tuna with a blue-black back and four to six dark longitudinal stripes on the silvery belly; small separate fins before the tail. Note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Skipjack tuna live?
The Skipjack tuna lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Widespread in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, also in the eastern Atlantic up to Europe, pelagic in open water.
How big does the Skipjack tuna get?
The Skipjack tuna grows to a maximum of about 110 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.
Is the Skipjack tuna dangerous to humans?
No, the Skipjack tuna is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Skipjack tuna edible?
Yes, the Skipjack tuna is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Skipjack tuna and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Scombridae
Want the complete picture on the Skipjack tuna?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Skipjack tuna is one of 12,519 species in the app.