Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Skipjack tuna
Catalog of Fishes (gen., sp.) | ITIS | CoL
Classification
Actinopterygii | Perciformes | Scombridae | Scombrinae
Synonyms
Scomber pelamis, Euthynnus pelamis, Gymnosarda pelamis
Common names
Listao, Listado, Skipjack tuna fish
Picture by Randall, J.E.
Main reference
Collette, B.B. and C.E. Nauen. 1983. (Ref. 168)
Other references | Biblio | Coordinator : Collette, Bruce B. | Collaborators
Size / Weight / Age
Max length : 110 cm NG male/unsexed; (Ref. 58652); common length : 80.0
cm FL male/unsexed; (Ref. 168); max. published weight: 34.5 kg (Ref. 168);
max. reported age: 12 years (Ref. 168)
Length at first maturity
Lm 42.8, range 40 - 45.4 cm
Environment
Pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous (Ref. 51243); marine; depth range 0 - 260
m (Ref. 9340), usually 0 - ? m (Ref. 55287)
Climate / Range
Tropical; 15°C - 30°C (Ref. 168); 58°N - 47°S, 180°W
- 180°E
Distribution
Cosmopolitan in tropical and warm-temperate waters. Not found in the eastern
Mediterranean Sea (Ref. 28950) and the Black Sea. Highly migratory species,
Annex I of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea (Ref. 26139).
Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Introductions
Short description
Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Anal
spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 14 - 15; Vertebrae: 41. Interpelvic process
small and bifid. Body without scales except for the corselet and the lateral
line. Swim bladder absent. The back is dark purplish blue, lower sides
and belly silvery, with 4 to six very conspicuous longitudinal dark bands
which in live specimens may appear as continuous lines of dark blotches.
Biology
Glossary (e.g. epibenthic)
Found in offshore waters; larvae restricted to waters with surface temperatures
of 15°C to 30°C (Ref. 6390). Exhibit a strong tendency to school in
surface waters with birds, drifting objects, sharks, whales and may show a
characteristic behavior like jumping, feeding, foaming, etc. Feed on fishes,
crustaceans, cephalopods and mollusks; cannibalism is common. Spawn throughout
the year in the tropics, eggs released in several portions (Ref. 35388). Eggs
and larvae are pelagic (Ref. 6769). Preyed upon by large pelagic fishes (Ref.
6885). Also taken by trolling on light tackle using plugs, spoons, feathers,
or strip bait (Ref. 9684). Marketed fresh, frozen or canned (Ref. 9340); also
dried-salted and smoked (Ref. 9987).
