
Also known as:
Skipjack
Skipjack tuna
Aku
Bonito
Oceanic bonito
Stripebellied bonito
Striped bonito
Stripey
Watermelon tuna
Common Group Name:
Mackerels and Tunas
Family Name:
Scombridae
Genus Name:
Katsuwonus
Species Name:
Katsuwonus pelamis
Dispatch Method:
The eating qualities of striped tuna can be greatly improved if they are killed immediately by iki jime before placing them in an ice slurry after bleeding. A firm knock on the head may be required to stun larger fish first before attempting iki jime.
Fish Description:
- Dark blue dorsally, sides and belly silvery. Four to six longitudinal dark stripes along belly and sides below lateral line. Swimbladder absent.
- A fast growing species, striped tuna mature in their second year at 40-45 cm long.
Fish Distribution:
- Striped tuna occur worldwide in tropical and warm-temperate offshore waters in all of the worlds major oceans.
- This species is often associated with drifting objects.
Fish Size Common Length:
30-60 cm (12-24 inches), maximum size around 120 cm (4 feet) and 35 kg. World record 21 kg (46 lb) from La Gomera, Spain.