Blackfin tuna

The blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) is a species of tuna in the family Scombridae. It is occasionally referred to as the Bermuda tuna, blackfinned albacore, or deep bodied tunny. They are the smallest tuna species in the genus Thunnus, generally growing to a maximum of 100 cm (39 in) in length and weighing 21 kg (46 lb).

Blackfin tuna are considered tropical, warm water fish. They have a relatively small distribution throughout the Eastern Coast of North and South America. They are located from Massachusetts to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, and also inhabit the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

The blackfin tuna has less commercial value than its close relatives like the yellowfin, bluefin, and skipjack tuna, but is still a major sport fish in Florida and regions of the Caribbean like Cuba and the Bahamas. However, the taste and quality of blackfin tuna is comparable to that of its popular relatives, and can be prepared in the same ways. It is also sushi grade. Methods of capture include trolling, drift fishing, and sport fishing with a pole and live bait or lures like ballyhoo, mullet, small fishes or strip baits, feathers, jigs, or plugs.

As of 2022, blackfin tuna were deemed "least concern" globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Habitat

Blackfin tuna hunt both epipelagic (surface) and mesopelagic (deeper water) fish and squid. They also eat crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, amphipods, stomatopods, and the larvae of decapods. They consume smaller prey by filtering the water and chase to catch larger prey.

This species is host to parasites including certain Digenea, Monogenea, Cestoda, Nematoda and Crustacea. The latter group includes parasitic copepods like Caligus coryphaenae, Caligus productus, Euryporus brachypterus, and Pseudocycnus appendiculatus. Cookiecutter sharks (Isistius brasiliensis) are external parasites.