Other names: Katsuo, Arctic bonito, Mushmouth, Oceanic bonito, Striped tuna
The skipjack tuna is a fast-swimming, pelagic fish with a streamlined body and dark horizontal stripes on its lower sides. Found in warm oceans worldwide, it is a highly migratory species, often forming large schools. Skipjack tuna is prized both commercially and by sport anglers for its strong fight and abundant presence. It is a key species in global tuna fisheries, often caught using various methods such as purse seining and trolling.
Other names
Katsuo, Arctic bonito, Mushmouth, Oceanic bonito, Striped tuna
Length
~80" (max 108)
Weight
~9" (max 34)
Water
Salt
Water Temp
15-30° F
Depth
259 ft
Anchovy
SardinesSorry. Regulation data is empty
Skipjack tuna inhabit open ocean waters, typically found in tropical and subtropical regions where the water is warm
They are a pelagic species, spending most of their time in the upper layers of the water column, often near the surface
This species is highly migratory, traveling long distances following ocean currents and food sources like small fish, crustaceans, and squid
Skipjack tuna are commonly found in large schools, sometimes associated with other tuna species or marine animals like dolphins
Spawning occurs year-round in tropical waters, with peak periods depending on the region. Skipjack tuna spawn in open waters, releasing eggs that are buoyant and develop in the pelagic zone
The larvae are planktonic, growing quickly in warm, nutrient-rich waters before becoming juveniles that join adult schools
As they mature, skipjack tuna continue to migrate extensively, moving between feeding and breeding grounds in response to environmental cues such as water temperature and prey availability
Their strong migratory behavior is closely linked to ocean currents, which help distribute larvae and sustain populations across vast oceanic areas
