Thunnini

Thunnini is a tribe of ray-finned fishes in the family Scombridae, commonly known as the tunas. The group comprises several genera, most notably Thunnus, which includes many of the true tunas such as Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis), southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus). The skipjack tuna belongs to the genus Katsuwonus, and smaller species are placed in other genera such as Euthynnus. Members of Thunnini share a streamlined, fusiform body, a crescent-shaped caudal fin, and a series of finlets between the dorsal and anal fins. They are among the fastest and most active fishes in the open ocean, and many species exhibit regional endothermy, warming body tissues to support sustained swimming and predation in cooler waters.

Distribution and ecology: Thunnini species are pelagic and highly migratory, occurring in warm and temperate oceans worldwide. They inhabit offshore waters and undertake long-distance migrations to feed and reproduce. Diet is primarily composed of smaller fishes, squid, and crustaceans. Reproduction and growth vary by species, but most reach sexual maturity within a few years and produce substantial numbers of eggs.

Human use and conservation: Tunas are among the most valuable seafood resources. Fisheries are complex and often international, guided by organizations such as ICCAT and various regional bodies. Management measures include catch quotas, gear restrictions, and size limits to reduce overfishing and bycatch. Stock status varies by species and region; some tunas, notably certain bluefin populations, have faced significant conservation concerns and ongoing management challenges.