Dogtooth tuna – Gymnosarda unicolor

Dogtooth tuna, Dog-tooth Tuna, Peg-tooth Tuna, Scaleless Tuna, White Tuna, White-flesh Tuna, Gymnosarda unicolor
Size: 248 cm
Depth: 0 - 300 m

Andaman and Nicobar, Australia, China, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Comoros, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Madagascar, Maldives, Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, New Caledonia, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion Island, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, Yemen

Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Sea of Japan, South China Sea, Yellow Sea

The Dog-tooth Tuna, Peg-tooth Tuna, Scaleless Tuna, White Tuna, White-flesh Tuna, scientifically known as Gymnosarda unicolor, is a fascinating and elusive species of tuna found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. This large, powerful fish is known for its distinctive physical characteristics, including its lack of scales and its impressive size.

Description & Characteristics

Gymnosarda unicolor is a sleek and streamlined fish, with a torpedo-shaped body that is well-suited for rapid swimming. It can grow to a maximum size of 248.0 cm in length. The most noticeable feature of this tuna is its lack of scales, giving it a smooth, almost slippery texture. It also has a distinctive white flesh, hence the name “White Tuna”. The coloration of this tuna is typically a deep blue to black on the dorsal side, fading to a lighter blue or silver on the ventral side. The Gymnosarda unicolor is also known for its sharp, dog-like teeth, which are used to capture and subdue prey.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Dog-tooth Tuna, Peg-tooth Tuna, Scaleless Tuna, White Tuna, White-flesh Tuna is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the globe. This species is typically found in the epipelagic zone, which extends from the surface to depths of approximately 200 meters. However, it has been known to occur at depths of up to 250.0 meters. This fish is often found in association with pelagic shoals of fish, where it can easily hunt and forage for food. The Gymnosarda unicolor is a common resident of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, where it plays a significant role in the local marine ecosystem.

Taxonomy

The species Gymnosarda unicolor belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Scombriformes, and Family: Scombridae. Teleostei is a large and diverse group of bony fishes that includes most of the species we commonly think of as “fish”. The Order Scombriformes includes the tunas, mackerels, and bonitos, and the Family Scombridae comprises the true tunas, which are known for their speed, power, and migratory habits.

Feeding

The Dog-tooth Tuna, Peg-tooth Tuna, Scaleless Tuna, White Tuna, White-flesh Tuna is a carnivorous predator that feeds primarily on smaller fish, including sardines, mackerel, and anchovies. It also hunts and consumes squid and octopus. The Gymnosarda unicolor relies on its sharp teeth and powerful jaws to capture and subdue prey. Its streamlined body and efficient swimming abilities allow it to chase down fast-moving fish in open water.

Associated Species

Image References

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