Slender tuna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slender tuna |
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Gasterochisma fallai (Serventy, 1948) |
The slender tuna (scientific name: Allothunnus fallai) is a special type of tuna fish. It's the only species in its group, called Allothunnus. You can find these fish swimming in the southern parts of the world's oceans. They usually live between 20 and 50 degrees South latitude. Sometimes, they travel far from their usual homes. For example, some have been seen near Los Angeles and in the North Pacific Ocean.
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What Does the Slender Tuna Look Like?
The slender tuna has a body that is longer and thinner than other tuna species that live in the same areas, like the albacore. Its back is a blue-black color, and its sides are silvery-greyish-white. Sometimes, when they are first caught, they might have a shiny copper color.
Fins and Size
This tuna has a small second dorsal fin (on its back) and anal fin (on its belly). These fins look a bit like those of a small albacore. However, the slender tuna does not have the very long, sweeping pectoral fins that albacore are known for. The pectoral fins (on its sides) and pelvic fins (on its belly) are purple at their tips and black closer to their bodies. A slender tuna can grow up to about 1 meter (3.3 feet) long and can weigh up to 12 kilograms (26 pounds).
Where Does the Slender Tuna Live and What Does It Eat?
Slender tuna often swim together in groups, called schools. They mostly eat tiny ocean creatures called krill. Krill are small crustaceans that look a bit like shrimp.
Other Foods
Besides krill, slender tuna also eat other things. They are known to hunt squid and smaller fish, such as jack mackerel. Their diet is quite varied, which helps them get all the nutrients they need.
Is the Slender Tuna Important to People?
The slender tuna is not a major fish for commercial fishing. It is mostly caught by accident when people are fishing for other types of tuna. This is called bycatch.
Taste and Health Benefits
The meat of the slender tuna is quite oily and is paler than other tuna meat. However, it tastes good when it's cooked. It can also be used for canning. The amount of oil in their meat changes throughout their lives. Fish that have just eaten a lot will have more oil. Fish caught after a long journey might have less oil.
The slender tuna's meat is very healthy! It has a lot of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are good fats that are important for your body. Because of this, a science organization called the CSIRO once said that the slender tuna was Australia's healthiest seafood dish.
