Mackerel Tuna

Interesting Info

• The Mackerel Tuna (Euthynnus affinis) is a small, fast tuna with a torpedo-shaped body and bold dark stripes on its back that look like racing lines.
• It grows up to 100 cm (3.3 ft) and can weigh around 13 kg (29 lb), though most caught are 50–70 cm (1.6–2.3 ft).
• In Australia it is found across northern waters—Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland—extending south into New South Wales and Victoria.
• Globally it is distributed throughout the Indo–West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa across India, Southeast Asia, and to northern Australia and the western Pacific islands.
• Its back is dark blue-black with broken, wavy stripes, while the belly is silvery with scattered dark spots near the pectoral fins.
• Unlike many other tunas, the Mackerel Tuna has no swim bladder, so it must swim constantly to keep from sinking.
• It is one of the fastest swimmers in coastal waters, chasing down small fish and squid.
• Mackerel Tuna feed mainly on sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and squid, hunting in packs with explosive bursts of speed.
• They live up to about 5 years, with most harvested fish being much younger.
• Spawning takes place offshore in tropical waters, with females releasing millions of eggs that drift with ocean currents.
• Juveniles often gather in shallow bays and estuaries before moving offshore as they grow.
• Predators such as marlin, sharks, and larger tunas hunt them, making them a vital link in marine food chains.
• Snorkellers and divers may see schools darting through baitfish clouds near reefs or drop-offs.
• Other names include Little Tuna, Kawakawa, and False Albacore.