Northern bluefin tuna facts for kids

A large Northern bluefin tuna swimming in the ocean.

Northern bluefin tuna are amazing fish! They are the biggest type of tuna and can live for a long time, usually between 11 and 26 years. These powerful fish are known for being among the largest, fastest, and most colorful fish in the whole world.

What's in a Name?

The scientific name for the Northern bluefin tuna is Thunnus Thynnus. This name comes from Latin, an old language. It helps scientists around the world know exactly which fish they are talking about!

How Big Are They?

Northern bluefin tuna are truly giants of the ocean!

• They usually grow to be about 6.6 feet (2 meters) long. That's taller than most grown-ups!
• They can weigh around 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms). Imagine lifting something that heavy!
• The biggest Northern bluefin tuna ever caught with a fishing rod and reel weighed an incredible 1,496 pounds.

What Do They Eat?

Bluefin tuna are super fast and strong hunters. They love to eat other fish and sea creatures. Their diet includes:

• mackerel
• herring
• mullet
• whiting
• squid
• eels
• crustaceans (like crabs and shrimp)

These tuna can swim at amazing speeds, up to 50 miles per hour! This helps them catch their prey easily.

Where Do They Live?

Northern bluefin tuna live in different parts of the world's oceans. Here are the main areas where they are found and caught:

• 40% in the North-West Pacific Ocean
• 19% in the North-East Atlantic Ocean
• 6% in the North-West Atlantic Ocean
• 35% in the Mediterranean Sea