Bullet tuna - Auxis rochei

The bullet tuna, Auxis rochei, is a species of tuna, in the family Scombridae, found circumglobally in tropical oceans, including the Mediterranean Sea, in open surface waters to depths of 50 m (164 ft). The population of bullet tuna in the western Pacific was classified as a subspecies of A. rochei, A. rochei eudorax, but some authorities regard this as a valid species Auxis eudorax. Its maximum length is 50 centimetres (20 in).

characteristics

Sometimes called bullet mackerel, the bullet tuna is a comparatively small and slender tuna. It has a triangular first dorsal fin, widely separated from the second dorsal fin, which, like the anal and pectoral fins, is relatively small. There are the usual finlets of the tuna. There is a small corselet of small scales around the pectoral region of the body.

Bullet tunas are blue-black on the back with a pattern of zig-zag dark markings on the upper hind body, and silver below. The fins are dark grey.

Interesting Facts on Bullet Tuna

Compared to the bigger yellowfin or bluefin tuna, the bullet tuna species is smaller and more slender.

The largest recorded size of this fish is 20 inches found in the East Atlantic. Because of its relatively smaller size, the bullet tuna often moves in schools.

It is a highly migratory species which is why you can find this fish worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters.

Although they have their diet of smaller fish, cannibalism is common in the bullet tuna species.

Bullet tunas are considered important prey for commercial tunas because of their abundance.