Skipjack Tuna

Found in offshore waters with temperatures ranging from 14.7 to 30°C while larvae are mostly restricted to waters with surface temperatures of at least 25°C. Exhibit a strong tendency to school in surface waters with birds, drifting objects, sharks, whales and may show a characteristic behaviour like jumping, feeding, foaming, etc. Feeds on fishes, crustaceans, cephalopods and molluscs. Spawns in batches all year long in tropical waters and from spring to early fall in subtropical waters. It is thought to live for at least 8-12 yrs. Also taken by trolling on light tackle using plugs, spoons, feathers, or strip bait (Ref. 9684). Marketed fresh, frozen or canned (Ref. 9340); also utilized dried-salted and smoked (Ref. 9987).

Feed on fishes, crustaceans, cephalopods and mollusks; cannibalism is common

cosmopolitan in tropical and warm-temperate waters, as far north as 40.87°N

Found in offshore waters; larvae restricted to waters with surface temperatures of 15°C to 30°C.

nektonic

Known from seamounts and knolls