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Bigeye Tuna

Thunnus obesus

Also known as

Ahi, Patudo

IUCN status

Vulnerable

About the Bigeye Tuna

The Bigeye Tuna is a formidable, robust-bodied fish distinguished by its notably large eyes, a feature that gives it its common name. Its back is a dark metallic blue to black, transitioning to a silvery-white on the belly, often with iridescent streaks along the sides. They possess prominent yellow finlets with black borders, and their pectoral fins are typically longer than those of other tuna species, extending past the second dorsal fin. This powerful, sleek build is indicative of its speed and predatory lifestyle.

Source: FishBase & iNaturalist

Habitat

This pelagic, oceanic species prefers the open waters of tropical and temperate seas, often found in deeper thermocline layers. Bigeye Tuna frequently congregate around seamounts, submarine canyons, and other underwater structures where baitfish schools aggregate, typically at depths of 100 to 500 meters.

Distribution

Bigeye Tuna are widely distributed across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, absent only from the Mediterranean Sea. They are most commonly found in warmer, equatorial waters.

Behaviour

Bigeye Tuna are opportunistic predators, known for their deep-water feeding habits, especially during low-light conditions at dawn, dusk, or throughout the night. Their diet primarily consists of squid, crustaceans, and a variety of small to medium-sized fish. These highly migratory fish often form schools, sometimes mixing with other tuna species like Yellowfin, or associating with marine mammals and whale sharks.

Edibility

★★★★★

Renowned for its rich, firm, and succulent red flesh, Bigeye Tuna is considered a premium delicacy. It is highly prized for sashimi and sushi, but also excels when seared, grilled, or broiled, offering a luxurious and buttery flavor.

Lure suggestion

Successful angling for Bigeye Tuna often involves trolling large artificial lures such as chuggers, jet heads, or realistic squid imitations, especially at dawn, dusk, or during the night. Deep dropping live or dead bait, including squid, mackerel, or small skipjack tuna, is also highly effective when fish are holding at specific depths. Kite fishing with live bait can also entice strikes from these deep-dwelling giants.