Distribution:

Cosmopolitan in tropical and warm-temperate waters. Not found in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Highly migratory species, Annex I of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 14-16; Dorsal softrays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft-rays: 14-15; Vertebrates: 41-41. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Body scaleless except for the corselet and the lateral line. Swimbladder absent. The back is dark purplish blue, lower sides and belly silvery, with 4 to six very conspicuous longitudinal dark bands which in live specimens may appear as continuous lines of dark blotches.

Biology:

Found in offshore waters; larvae restricted to waters with surface temperatures of 15°C to 30°C. Exhibit a strong tendency to school in surface waters with birds, drifting objects, sharks, whales and may show a characteristic behavior like jumping, feeding, foaming, etc. Feed on fishes, crustaceans, cephalopods and mollusks; cannibalism is common. Preyed upon by large pelagic fishes. Also taken by trolling on light tackle using plugs, spoons, feathers, or strip bait. Marketed fresh, frozen or canned; also dried-salted and smoked. Spawns throughout the year in the tropics, eggs released in several portions.

Max. size: 108.0 cm

Max.weight: 35 Kg

Environment: pelagic; depth range 0 - 260 m

Climate: tropical; 15 - 30°C; 58°N - 47°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Bonito Listado