Skipjack tuna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Skipjack tuna |
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The skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is a speedy fish that belongs to the tuna family. It's one of the most common types of tuna found around the world. This fish is known for its strong swimming and for often being caught by people for food.
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What is a Skipjack Tuna?
The skipjack tuna is a medium-sized fish. It has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body. This shape helps it swim very fast through the water. It's also called the "bonito" in some places.
How Big Do They Get?
Skipjack tuna can grow up to about 1 meter (3.3 feet) long. They usually weigh around 8 to 10 kilograms (18 to 22 pounds). Some larger ones can weigh up to 34.5 kilograms (76 pounds).
What Do They Look Like?
These fish have a dark purplish-blue back. Their sides and belly are silvery. They have four to six dark stripes running along their lower sides. These stripes are a good way to tell them apart from other tuna.
Where Do Skipjack Tuna Live?
Skipjack tuna live in warm, tropical, and subtropical waters. You can find them in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. They prefer to live in the open ocean, far from the coast.
Their Ocean Home
These tuna are pelagic fish. This means they live in the open water, not near the bottom or the shore. They often swim near the surface of the ocean.
Why Do They Travel?
Skipjack tuna are migratory fish. They travel long distances across the oceans. They move to find food and to find good places to lay their eggs.
What Do Skipjack Tuna Eat?
Skipjack tuna are carnivores, meaning they eat other animals. They are active hunters. They eat a variety of smaller fish and sea creatures.
Their Favorite Foods
Their diet includes smaller fish like herring and sardines. They also eat squid and crustaceans. They often hunt in groups, which helps them catch more food.
Skipjack Tuna and People
Skipjack tuna are very important to people around the world. They are one of the most caught fish for food.
Fishing for Skipjack Tuna
Many countries catch skipjack tuna. It's a big part of the global fishing industry. They are caught using different methods, including large nets and fishing lines.
What is Skipjack Tuna Used For?
Most skipjack tuna is used for canned tuna. It's also sold fresh or frozen in fish markets. It's a popular choice because it's tasty and healthy.
Is It Sustainable?
Scientists and fishing groups work to make sure skipjack tuna are caught in a way that doesn't harm their populations too much. This helps ensure there will be enough fish for the future.
Images for kids
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Shoaling skipjack tuna
See also
- Tuna
- Fish
- In Spanish: Katsuwonus pelamis para niños
