Author: (Linnaeus, 1758)
FBname: Skipjack tuna
Comments: Found in offshore waters; larvae restricted to waters with surface temperatures of 15°C to 30°C (Ref. 6390).  Exhibit a strong tendency to school in surface waters with birds, drifting objects, sharks, whales and may show a characteristic behavior like jumping, feeding, foaming, etc.  Feed on fishes, crustaceans, cephalopods and mollusks; cannibalism is common.  Spawn throughout the year in the tropics, eggs released in several portions (Ref. 35388).  Eggs and larvae are pelagic (Ref. 6769).  Preyed upon by large pelagic fishes (Ref. 6885).  Also taken by trolling on light tackle using plugs, spoons, feathers, or strip bait (Ref. 9684).  Marketed fresh, frozen or canned (Ref. 9340, 9684 ); also dried-salted and smoked (Ref. 9987).