blue fin tuna, blue-fin tunny, Atlantic bluefin tuna, horse mackerels, northern bluefin tuna, squid hounds…
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is the largest of the tuna species. They are found throughout the North Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas, including the Mediterranean Sea. They are a migratory species that is pelagic meaning they spend their time in water that is neither close to the bottom nor near the shore. They eat fish such as herring, anchovy, sand lance, sardine, sprat, bluefish and mackerel and as large predators, play an important role in pelagic ecosystems. Fully mature adult specimens average 6.6-8.2 feet in length and weigh around 450-550 lbs. It is believed they can grow in excess of 2010 lbs though the largest recorded specimen was just under 1500 lbs. The average natural lifespan of an Atlantic bluefin is 15-30 years.
The body of the Atlantic blue fin is rhomboidal in profile and robust. The head is conical and the mouth quite large. The body is dark blue above and gray with gold sparkle below. Bright yellow scutes or finlets line the dorsal (upper) and ventral (lower) sides of the fish between the dorsal and anal fins and the caudal (tail) fin. The Atlantic bluefin possesses great muscular strength. It channels this strength through a pair of tendons to its caudal fin. Uniquely, the body stays nearly rigid while the caudal fin flicks back and forth. This increases efficiency and allows the Atlantic bluefin to reach speeds of 60 km/h.
Atlantic bluefin that grow in excess of 330 lbs are known at Giant bluefin tuna.
— Chris Boyne
