Animal Species:Mackerel Tuna, Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1850)

Mackerel Tuna can be recognised by the pattern of broken diagonal lines on the upper sides and two or five dark spots above the pelvic fin. The species occurs throughout the tropical and temperate Indo-West and Central Pacific Oceans.

Alternative Name/s

Bonito, Jack Mackerel, Kawa Kawa, Little Tuna, Little Tunny

Identification

Mackerel Tuna can be recognised by the pattern of broken diagonal lines on the upper sides and two or five dark spots above the pelvic fin.

Size range

The species grows to about 1 m in length.

Distribution

The species occurs throughout the tropical and temperate Indo-West and Central Pacific Oceans. In Australia the Mackerel Tuna is known from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and down the east coast to southern New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Euthynnus affinis

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Mackerel Tuna specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Habitat

The species is usually found in coastal and offshore waters.

Feeding and Diet

It is a fast-swimming pelagic species that feeds on fishes, shrimps and cephalopods. It is preyed upon by marlins and sharks.

Economic/social impacts

It is an important commercial species in many countries.

Classification

Species:
affinis
Genus:
Euthynnus
Family:
Scombridae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292. Collette, B.B. 2001. Scombridae in Carpenter, K.E. & V.H. Niem (Eds). FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 6. Bony Fishes part 4 (Labridae to Latimeriidae), estuarine crocodiles, sea turtles, sea snakes and marine mammals. FAO, Rome. Pp. iii-v, 3381-4218.
  2. Collette, B.B. & C.E. Nauen. 1983. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 2. Scombrids of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of tunas, mackerels, bonitos and related species known to date. FAO Fish. Synop. No. 125: i-vii + 1-137.
  3. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  4. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Mackerel Tuna, Euthynnus affinis, Scombridae, > 1 m, pelagic, marine,