Blackfin Tuna

(Thunnus atlanticus)

 

Maturity at: 49 cm in length

Max Published Size: 108 cm and 46 pounds

TnT Record: 38 pounds (unofficial)

TnT Season: Year round

IUCN status: Least concern

 

 

General Information: Found in oceanic waters, sometimes relatively close to the coast.  Can form large schools mixing with skipjack tuna.  They spawn well offshore. Eat surface and deep water fish, squids, amphipods, shrimps, crabs and other crustacean larvae. The largest fishery for blackfin tuna operates off the southeastern coast of Cuba and uses live-bait and pole. They are short lived and fast growing species. Utilized fresh, dried or salted, canned and frozen.