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Cosmopolitan in tropical and subtropical seas, usually in deep coastal and oceanic waters. It is common throughout the tropical Atlantic, south to Argentina and may range as far north as Cape Cod, Massachusetts in the summer months. Skipjack tuna are schooling, pelagic, migratory, deep water species. In the western Atlantic, skipjack tuna frequently school with blackfin tuna (Thunnas atlanticus) and in the Pacific and Indian Oceans they often school with yellowfin tuna (Thunnas albacares). The common name Arctic bonito which is sometimes applied to the skipjack is a misnomer. The fish does not range into Arctic waters and is not a bonito, but a tuna. The presence of stripes on the belly and the absence of markings on the back are sufficient to distinguish the skipjack tuna from all similar species. The lower flanks and belly are silvery with 4 to 6 prominent, dark, longitudinal stripes running from just behind the corselet back towards the tail, ending when they come into contact with the lateral line. Though some other species do have stripes on the belly, they have markings on the back as well, and the latter remain the most prominent after death. This is a gregarious fish and a fast swimmer, feeding near the surface, in schools of 50,000 or more individuals. It will strike trolled strip baits, feathers, spoons, plugs, or small whole baits. Some are taken by casting, jigging or live bait fishing offshore. In addition to being esteemed light tackle species, it has great commercial value.
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Scientific Name:
Katsuwonus pelamis
Family Name:
Scombridae Family
Also Known As:
skipjack, ocean bonito, Arctic bonito, striped tuna, watermelon tuna
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