| Remarks |
Epipelagic in neritic and oceanic waters (Ref. 9340). Feeds on small fish, squids, planktonic crustaceans (megalops), and stomatopod larvae (Ref. 5213). Because of their abundance, they are considered an important element of the food web, particularly as forage for other species of commercial interest. Preyed upon by larger fishes, including other tunas (Ref. 9987). Confined to oceanic salinities with strong schooling behavior. Though larvae have a high temperature tolerance (at least between 21.6 and 30.5°C), the widest among tuna species studied, their optimum temperature is between 27 and 27.9°C. |