Euthynnus
Euthynnus is a genus of tuna in the family Scombridae. The genus includes five species, all of which are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They are known for their streamlined bodies, forked tails, and distinctive yellow stripes on their flanks.
Common Names
Members of the genus Euthynnus are commonly known as:
- Little tunny
- Bonito
- Skipjack tuna
Characteristics
Euthynnus species share a number of distinctive characteristics. Their bodies are generally fusiform, meaning they are torpedo-shaped, and they have a deeply forked tail fin. They have a distinctive yellow stripe that runs along their flanks, often accompanied by other yellow markings on their fins and head. Euthynnus species are pelagic fish, meaning they live in the open ocean, and are known for their fast swimming speeds. They are also characterized by having a single dorsal fin followed by 7-9 finlets.
Environments
Euthynnus species are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They inhabit a wide range of environments, including the open ocean, coastal waters, and areas near reefs. These fish tend to occur in schools, and their distribution is influenced by water temperature, currents, and availability of prey.