Description

Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 15; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12; Vertebrae: 37. Anterior spines of first dorsal fin much higher than those mid-way, giving the fin a strongly concave outline. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Body naked except for corselet and lateral line. Swim bladder absent. A large rounded protuberances on 31st and 32nd vertebrae. Color is generally iridescent blue with black dorsal markings composed of 3 to 5 horizontal stripes. Also with variable black or dark gray spots above the pelvic fins. Occasionally with extensive longitudinal stripes of light gray on belly; some individuals have few or no belly markings.

Common Names

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Scombriformes

Family: Scombridae

Genus: Euthynnus

Species: Euthynnus lineatus Kishinouye, 1920

Climate Zone

Location

• Eastern Pacific: off San Simeon, California, USA southward to the Galapagos Islands and northern Peru. Two stray specimens collected in the Hawaiian Islands.

Biology

Occurs rarely where surface temperatures fall below 23°C. Its larvae are more frequently encountered at temperatures above 26°C and are practically confined to waters within about 240 miles off the mainland. Inhabits near the surface of coastal waters and offshore waters (Ref. 11035). Form multi-species schools with Thunnus albacares and Katsuwonus pelamis. An opportunistic predator which shares feeding pattern with other tunas and probably compete for food with other species such as yellowfin tuna, common dolphin, oriental bonito, among others.

Habitat

oceanic

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Threat to Humans

Harmless