Thunnus
Thunnus is a genus of large, fast-swimming, predatory fish in the tribe Thunnini of the family Scombridae. The genus consists of eight species, all of which are highly migratory and found in all oceans. Tunas are characterized by their streamlined bodies, powerful tails, and warm-bodied physiology, which allows them to maintain high activity levels in both warm and cold waters.
Common Names
Common names for members of the genus Thunnus include tuna, tunny, bonito, and albacore. The specific common name used often depends on the species and region. For example, the species Thunnus thynnus is commonly known as Atlantic bluefin tuna, while Thunnus alalunga is called albacore.
Characteristics
Tunas are easily recognizable by their distinctive body shape, which is fusiform, or torpedo-shaped, allowing for efficient swimming. They have a powerful tail fin and streamlined body, which minimizes drag in the water. Tunas are also characterized by their warm-bodied physiology, which allows them to maintain high activity levels in both warm and cold waters.
Environments
Tunas are found in all oceans, both in warm and cold waters. They are highly migratory fish, often traveling long distances in search of food. Some species, like the Atlantic bluefin tuna, migrate across entire ocean basins, while others, like the yellowfin tuna, are more localized in their movements. Tunas are pelagic fish, meaning they live in the open ocean, typically in the upper layers of the water column.
Species
The genus Thunnus includes the following eight species:
- Thunnus alalunga (Albacore)
- Thunnus albacares (Yellowfin tuna)
- Thunnus atlanticus (Blackfin tuna)
- Thunnus maccoyii (Southern bluefin tuna)
- Thunnus obesus (Bigeye tuna)
- Thunnus orientalis (Pacific bluefin tuna)
- Thunnus thynnus (Atlantic bluefin tuna)
- Thunnus tonggol (Longtail tuna)