Bigeye tuna
Key Facts
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Common Name
Bigeye tuna
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Scientific Name
Thunnus obsesus
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Habitat
Open Ocean
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Location
Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans
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Status
At risk from overfishing in Atlantic; classed as vulnerable by IUCN.
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Length
Between 60 and 250 cm
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Weight
Upto 180 kg
Physical Description
Bigeye tuna are generally smaller than bluefin and larger than yellowfin. They reach a length of between 60 and 250cm, and weigh around 180kg, and live 10 to 12 years. They are long and streamlined, dark metallic blue on their backs and upper sides, and have nearly white lower sides and belly.
Habitat and Distribution
Bigeye are a highly migratory species found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans between 30 degrees north and 20 degrees south. They can be found from the surface to 250m deep, depending on the age of the bigeye and where prey can be found.
Reproduction
Bigeye tuna reach reproductive maturity around age 3, and at around 1m in length. They spawn throughout the year in tropical waters.
Bigeye tuna are generally smaller than bluefin and larger than yellowfin. They reach a length of between 60 and 250cm, and weigh around 180kg, and live 10 to 12 years. They are long and streamlined, dark metallic blue on their backs and upper sides, and have nearly white lower sides and belly.
Habitat and Distribution
Bigeye are a highly migratory species found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans between 30 degrees north and 20 degrees south. They can be found from the surface to 250m deep, depending on the age of the bigeye and where prey can be found.
Reproduction
Bigeye tuna reach reproductive maturity around age 3, and at around 1m in length. They spawn throughout the year in tropical waters.
