A high-speed warm-blooded predator that can reach 1,500 pounds and 1,000-mile sprints across oceans. Atlantic bluefin populations have declined ~85% since 1970, driven by sushi-grade demand and decades of overharvest.

Also called: Atlantic Bluefin, Giant Tuna, Bluefin

Native status: Native; endangered due to overfishing

§ Quick facts

SizeAdult length 2–3 m (6.5–10 ft); record 4.6 m
Weight225–680 kg (500–1,500 lb); record 678 kg
LifespanWild 20–40 years; oldest documented 35
OrderPerciformes
FamilyScombridae

§ Encyclopedia

The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a species of tuna in the family Scombridae. It is variously known as the northern bluefin tuna, giant bluefin tuna, and formerly as the tunny.

Source: Wikipedia — Atlantic bluefin tuna Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive torpedo-shaped fish with bluish-black back, silvery sides; tail bristles set far back on body.

Similar species. Other tunas (much smaller). Skipjack and Yellowfin Tuna (different proportions).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Squid, small fish (herring, mackerel, sardines).

Behavior. Among the fastest fish in the ocean (75 km/h bursts). Migrates across entire ocean basins. Endothermic — can maintain body temperatures 10°C above ambient water.

§ Range

Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

§ Habitat

Open ocean; spawning in Gulf of Mexico and Mediterranean

§ Threats

Overfishing for sashimi market, bycatch, climate-driven oxygen-poor "dead zones" in spawning grounds.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the atlantic bluefin tuna is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Skip bluefin sushi. Choose pole-and-line caught skipjack or Pacific yellowfin. Support international fishery quotas.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • The Pew Charitable Trusts
  • ICCAT
  • IUCN Red List 2019