Atlantic bluefin tuna, tunny fish, horse-mackerel

Occurs in subtropical and temperate waters of the north Pacific Ocean, the North Atlantic Ocean, and in the Mediterranean and Black seas.

The bluefin tuna has rather short pectoral fins which extend only as far back as the eleventh or twelfth spine in the first dorsal fin. There are 12-14 spines in the first dorsal fin and 13-15 rays in the second. The anal fin has 11-15 rays. It has the highest gill raker count of any species of Thunnus with 34-43 on the first arch. The anal fin and the finlets are dusky yellow edged with black. The lateral keel is black in adults.

Fishing methods include still fishing or trolling with live or dead bait such as mackerel, herring, mullet, or squid; and trolling with artificial lures including spoons, plugs, or feathers.The flesh is of good quality. Their red flesh is prized in Japan more than that of any other tuna, where it is served raw.