Small Tuna: 5 Delicious Species and How to Use Them

There are two types of tuna which consist of different species like blackfin, bluefin, kawakawa, longtail, skipjack, slender, and yellowfin.

If you want to catch a small tuna, you should choose skipjack and little tunny. Tuna is found in oceans worldwide as a commercially and recreationally valuable fish.

The tuna species is known for its rich flavor and aggressive fight. Larger species of tuna are recognized for their size and value.

Smaller tuna species are equally important in marine ecosystems and the fishing industry.

Among the different types of tuna, there are several species of dogtooth and bonitos, which have long bodies and sharp teeth. 

We will explore the types, habitats, behaviour, and importance of small tuna in this article.

Different Types of Tuna 

There are many types of tuna fish, but the following are the most popular ones. 

Blackfin Tuna (Thunnus atlanticus)

Blackfin prefers warm water, so they are found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Massachusetts to Brazil. They can be targeted in the Gulf of Mexico in Florida.

Blackfin feeds near the surface and can be caught using artificial lures. You can do your work through trolling and jigging fishing methods.

Blackfin tastes great if cooked and served properly. You can enjoy the blackfin meat for dinner. The blackfin is an admirable fish.

A commonly caught blackfin tuna is about,50-75 cm (20-30 inches) long and weighs 5-10 kg (11-22 lbs).

Dark blue to black on top, with a light yellow or silver belly with short pectoral fins. Blackfin is often found near the coast. 

Kawakawa Tuna

This is a species of tuna known by different names. Kawakawa is Known as mackerel tuna in Australia. Its dark flesh is popular among anglers due to its good taste.

This fish fights well according to its size. Kawakawa Usually 50-75 cm (20-30 inches) long and weighing 4-10 kg (9-22 lbs).

Kawakawa’s Bluish-green on the back, with a pattern of dark spots or stripes on the upper sides and a white belly.

This fish owns a different habitat. Found around coastal areas and islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans. Kawakawa is known for its fast swimming and schooling behaviour.

Albacore Tuna

Albacore tuna are easily recognized by their long pectoral fins. Also known for having the lightest white flesh of all types of tuna. Its meat is excellent to eat.

Albacore prefers temperate seas, and you will occasionally see them near the shore.

They are a popular target away from the central part of the state, especially in California. It is a favourite target of anglers and beginners.

Their availability varies in different seasons. During the summer and fall, albacore can be found in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia waters.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna often prowls around ocean islands around the world.  Yellowfin has become a favourite catch in California.

The yellowfin can be identified by its long pectoral fins and distinctive dark yellow dorsal stripe that runs from head to tail.

The yellowfin tuna weighs around 450 pounds and comes after the bluefin and bigeye tuna.

The name yellowfin tuna obviously to a yellow lateral line on the top of its pectoral fins and bright yellow dorsal fin. 

Their backs are dark blue to black, and their undersides are silver-white. 

Yellowfins are also occasionally found in shallow waters due to higher temperatures.

Yellowfin tuna has a milder flavour with a leaner texture and firm meat. People who like to eat low-fat meat choose yellowfin tuna. 

Bigeye Tuna

Big eyes are physically strong and have big eyes. Anglers have a little difficulty distinguishing between bigeye and yellowfin because their yellow finlets are edged in black.

A distinction can be made between the two bigeye’s liver is striated, but the yellowfin’s is not. This game fish has commercial importance in the world. It is a valuable target for every angler. 

Types of Small Tuna

Several tuna species are considered “small” due to their relatively smaller size than giants like the bluefin. Here are some of them.

Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus)

This fish is an excellent target among fly anglers. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.  They make their habitat near coastal waters, structures, and reefs.

These light fish are aggressive fighters for their size. The flesh of this fish is dark red and bloody.

Usually in little tunny size 60-90 cm (24-35 inches) in length and weighing 5-15 kg (11-33 lbs).

Little Tunny has Metallic blue on top, with a silver belly and distinctive broken, wavy lines on the back.

Skipjack Tuna

In this fish, Dark blue or purple back with silver belly and distinct horizontal stripes.  The size of skipjack is typically 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) in length and weighing 2-4 kg (4-9 lbs).

Skipjack Tuna is found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Its schooling behavior sets it apart from other fish.

Skipjack is often found in large groups near the surface. The light flesh of this fish makes it a preferred species. It is considered a commercially valuable species. 

Other Tuna Types

Many other species of tuna are found, including black skipjack, bluefin, bonitos, dogtooth, and longtail.

You can easily catch all these species by using different fishing techniques, such as trolling, jigging, drifting, and fly fishing. Now plan your fishing trip and enjoy these different types of tuna. 

Habitat and Distribution

Small tuna species are inhabiting tropical and subtropical waters. They are commonly found in coastal regions, often near reefs, islands, and continental shelves.

Their seasonal migration is affected because they prefer warmer waters.

Many Tuna species move closer to the equator during colder months and spread out during warmer periods.

Feeding Behavior and Diet

Small tuna are opportunistic feeders and eat small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Their feeding habits help control the population of small marine organisms.

Squid and octopus are the best baits for small tuna as it is a preferred food due to their high protein content.

It is also common for them to consume shrimp and small crabs, particularly in coastal areas. 

Tuna and Nutrition

Tuna fish is very important due to nutrition. Bluefin tuna is rich in omega-3, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Many people eat tuna due to its nutritional value.

Yellowfin tuna is low in omega-3 fatty acids but high in protein and vitamins. Yellowfin is great quality meat used to make sashimi or steaks. Seafood lovers also like tuna meat and then fishing for tuna.

Conclusion

Small tuna plays an important role in ecosystems and the global fishing industry. By understanding their habitat and behavior you can be successful in fishing for them.

Fishing for small tuna is a fascinating way to experience the dynamic world of marine life, whether you’re a commercial fisher or a sports angler.

Anglers value them for their challenging catch and the excitement they provide during fishing tournaments and recreational trips.