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Inhabits tropical and subtropical areas of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans around coral reefs. It has been taken in the Red Sea and sporadically in southern Japanese waters as well as around Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, the Society Islands, the Marquesas Islands and from East Africa to Australia. It is a pelagic and migratory species, but is known to enter inshore waters during the warm season. It is noted for its lack of scales (except on the corselet and along either side of the lateral line) and for it�s large conical teeth; features which have given it the names �scaleless tuna� and �dogtooth tuna� respectively. It is actually a bonito. The lateral line is prominent and wavy, ending in a keel on the caudal peduncle. It is the only bonito that has a swim bladder and a large, single interpelvic process. There are no dark stripes or spots on the body. The second dorsal and anal fins are tipped with white. It is usually found around reefs, channels, passes or rocky areas, where it feeds extensively on reef fish. The dogtooth will readily consume a smaller mackerel, squid or other pelagic fish. When hooked its first run is fast and long and is followed by a deep, circling tough fight. It is usually taken incidentally while deep trolling or deep live or dead bait fishing for other species near offshore reefs, though some are caught on rigs trolled on or near the surface. It has been known to take mackerel, mullet, squid, baits, spoons, plugs, feathers and plastic lures. The dogtooth is reported to be excellent both as a sport fish and as table fare.
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Scientific Name:
Gymnosarda unicolor
Family Name:
Scombridae Family
Also Known As:
scaleless tuna, lizard-mouth tuna, white tuna, vau, atu, kidukidu or dadori
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