Saturday, November 14, 2009

Tuna Types: Longtail Tuna Facts

Longtail Tuna Facts


Tuna are delicious fish, and many people have an avid interest in them – not only from a culinary perspective, but from a sporting one. These are very popular targets of sport fishermen, and many people also make a living off of them commercially. If you have ever wanted to know more about longtail tuna, this article is for you. Below are four longtail tuna facts that will definitely leave you knowing more about this creature of the sea.

Longtail Tuna Facts #1: What They Look Like


When you think of the word ‘tuna’, what do you picture? Do you picture a small, puny fish? Well, believe it or not, longtail tuna are a bit larger. It is not uncommon for these fish to grow up to 5 feet long, and can weigh up to 70 pounds. Some fish have been caught that are even larger.

These fish are quite slender and have a variety of colors. Generally, the top of the body is dark blue or black, and the lower body is a silver-white color. Their finlet are yellow and have gray edges, and their keel (large fin on the bottom) is a dark color that stands out from the color of the lower body. These also come with blue fins – which is why they are also known as Northern bluefin tuna.

Longtail Tuna Facts: #2: Where They Live


Tuna can be found all over the world, in every major ocean except for the Artic. Longtail tuna in particular are mostly found in the waters around Australia, specifically on the eastern and western coasts. They like to stay relatively close to the shore and are rarely caught in open water on the high seas. You can also find them around bait fish (smaller fish that are often used as bait and live in schools near the shore). Additionally, longtail tuna prefer waters that are 66-86 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20-30 degrees Celsius). The waters around Australia, therefore, are a perfect environment.

Longtail Tuna Facts #3: How They Live




It is a well-known fact that most fish are cold-blooded. Warm-blooded animals can control the temperature of their bodies, but cold-blooded creatures cannot – such as amphibians and reptiles. Longtail tuna, however, are not cold-blooded but warm-blooded – a trait that lets them live in cold habitats in the ocean. How is this done? There are organs on the longtail tuna’s body that warm up the blood flowing through the tuna’s veins. With this ability, the longtail can inhabit environments up to 36 degrees F warmer than normal.

Longtail Tuna Facts #4: How They Are Fished


Those who are interested in fishing for longtail tuna need to know that they are quite fast and can put up quite a struggle. Therefore, be prepared for a battle if you happen to hook a particularly large longtail tuna. Trolling small lures are effective, as are metal lures that are shiny and reflect light. You can also fly-cast for these fish while employing chum to attract their attention and draw them close.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Bigeye Tuna Facts

All About Bigeye Tuna


The Bigeye tuna is often referred to by the scientific name Thunnus obesus. Although these fish can generally be found in just about any area, there are some endangerment issues that have recently developed in regards to younger fish in the species. Furthermore, the Bigeye is commonly confused with the Yellowfin and this article will clear up any confusion in that department. Finally, we will briefly discuss fishing and consuming this type of tuna. Throughout this article we will highlight a few key facts about the Bigeye tuna to increase your knowledge of this species.

Bigeye Tuna Facts #1: Difference from Yellowfin

Many people undergo the common error of mistaking a Bigeye tuna fish as a Yellowfin. These two are quite similar; however, there are some distinct characteristics that can assist in distinguishing between these two fish. The biggest physical difference between these two species is the longer pectoral fins of the Bigeye tuna in comparison to the Yellowfin. This is the key way to make the distinction between these two similar species. Both tend to be metallic blue and “tuna-shaped” (or cigar shaped). There is also a somewhat visible blue stripe along the side of the body as well. The Bigeye has white on its belly and yellow dorsal fins that vary in shades. Along with physical characteristics, this specific tuna fish tends to inhabit deeper waters than its counterpart.

Bigeye Tuna Facts #2: Endangerment

Believe it or not, this tuna tends to be one of the species that are becoming threatened by fishing. The biggest concern is with the younger fish of this species. Typically they are increasingly susceptible to being removed from the water since they can be mistaken for other floating objects, such as logs, debris, etc. This common mistake results in the removal of many of these younger species before they are mature enough to breed, which drastically decreases the overall population of the species. Many scientists and fishermen have recently become concerned about this endangerment.

Bigeye Tuna Facts #3: Fishing and Eating

The Bigeye tuna can pretty much is found in any area with open waters, regardless of temperatures or tropical area. However, there is one expectation—you will not find this species in the Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, these fish tend to reside in deeper waters than your other common fish (Yellowfin), which is essential to understand when planning a fishing trip with the Bigeye tuna in mind.

In regards to consumption, the Bigeye tuna is available year around—it is not a seasonal fish. Therefore, it should not be too hard to find on the menu unless the previously mentioned endangerment gets out of hand. In regards to taste, people describe the tuna as medium in flavor and a bit firm in texture.

Overall, the Bigeye tuna should be relatively easy to find if you are planning a fishing trip in open waters outside of the Mediterranean Sea. Be sure to compare the physical characteristics of the fish to ensure that you truly have caught a Bigeye and are not mistaken it for the similar Yellowfin.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Tuna Types: Yellowfin Tuna Facts

Tuna Types: Yellowfin Tuna Facts


Four Interesting Yellowfin Tuna Facts

If you are a fan of seafood, then there is a very good chance that you are a fan of tuna. Tuna is one of the most popular sources of food in the world, to communities and populations who live in or near every major ocean. Millions depend on tuna as a staple of their diets, and for good reason: it is nutritious as well as delicious. One popular type of tuna is called the yellowfin tuna- named, appropriately enough, because of its yellow fins. This article will cover four intriguing yellowfin tuna facts that will shed a little light on this morsel of the sea.

Yellowfin Tuna Facts #1: Bigger Than You Think

Most people, when they encounter tuna, generally find it in tiny pieces, packed in small tins or cans at the supermarket. Therefore, we generally picture tuna as tiny fish swimming in the sea that are scooped up in a big net and used to make the canned tuna we buy. At least, I know I used to picture yellowfin tuna this way. In reality, yellowfin tuna – like most tuna – can become quite large. One of the most interesting yellowfin tuna facts is that these fish have been reported up to 94 inches in length and up to 440 pounds. That is a far cry from the tiny fish we picture in our minds!

Yellowfin Tuna Facts #2: Where They Live

Yellowfin tuna can be readily found in tropical and subtropical waters all over the globe, particularly in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. Their habitat is best described as being in the epipelagic zone, which represents a zone from the surface of the water down to about 200 meters (656 feet). They also prefer water temperatures ranging from 18 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius (or 64 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit), and travel everywhere they go in schools with other yellowfin tuna.

Yellowfin Tuna Facts #3: Culinary Uses

Yellowfin tuna, as mentioned above, is a great source of nutritious food for millions across the globe. There are actually two grades of yellowfin tuna that are sold on the market. The first is called ‘sashimi grade’, which is the higher grade. The others are called, appropriately enough, ‘other’, although they are not all created equal either. Sashimi grade tuna, therefore, costs more yet is considered to have a superior taste. You are not restricted to just tuna salad sandwiches, either. Yellowfin tuna is a wonderful meat for grilling, as well as a delicious type of sushi. Yellowfin tuna is also less expensive than bluefin tuna.

Yellowfin Tuna Facts #4: Fast and Furious

In addition to the yellowfin tuna facts above, yellowfin tuna are also extremely strong swimmers. Their powerful and streamlined bodies can propel them through the water at average speeds of 10 mph (16 km/h) and peak speeds of over 50 mph (80 km/h)! This is why yellowfin tuna are prized by sport fishermen; they are sleek, strong, and capable of putting up a monster struggle.

As far as tuna go, yellowfin tuna are perhaps the most commercially important kinds in the world. Many people make a living off of fishing for them, and many more consume them on a regular basis. So, the next time you are shopping for some tasty seafood, remember these yellowfin tuna facts and be sure to give yellowfin tuna a try.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

About Tuna Nutrition

Valuable Information About Tuna Nutrition
If you are like me and enjoy eating healthy foods, then you definitely want to learn as much as you can about tuna nutrition. Why? Because tuna is one of the most nutritious foods out there, bar none. Some people do not like the taste – and most everyone does not like the smell – but tuna really is a great food to eat. It does not taste bad, either. If you are still wary, then perhaps this article about tuna nutrition will entice you to try out this healthy and tasty fish.
Fishy Information About Tuna Nutrition
Tuna fish are some of the best sources of food in the world. Millions consume tuna on a weekly basis, because they enjoy the taste and for the sustenance it offers. These carnivorous fish live in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and are extremely numerous, forming a multitude of stocks that are fished regularly by commercial fishermen. While these stocks are still plentiful, for the most part, some are being overfished and need to be replenished before they are completely depleted. Also, tuna vary in size based on what type you have. The smallest types of tuna rarely get above 3 feet, while the largest can reach up to 10 feet in length and weigh hundreds of pounds. That is a lot of tuna!
Health Information About Tuna Nutrition
Now that we have explored what tuna are, we can talk about tuna nutrition. As mentioned earlier in the article, tuna are extremely nutritious fish. The amount of vital nutrients that are contained within tuna meat is amazing. Let us take a six ounce serving of tuna, for example. In this serving of tuna, you will receive 78% of your recommended daily value of vitamin B12; 42% of phosphorus; 48% of thiamin; and a whopping 62% of protein. That is just in one six ounce serving! There are other things about tuna nutrition besides these nutrients.
One of the best features of tuna from a nutritional standpoint is the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. If you have heard this term recently, it is because people have learned about the powerful benefits offered by these essential fatty acids. These are called essential because they are crucial to the health of the human body – but they cannot be produced by the body. Therefore, you have to get them from food, and tuna fish is a great way to obtain these vital components. Omega-3 fatty acids also are good for the cardiovascular system, and help protect against inflammation in your body.
Other Information About Tuna Nutrition
There are other health benefits to be found with tuna in addition to those above. For example, eating tuna is a good way to prevent heart attacks. The nutrients in the tuna help keep your arteries from becoming clogged, so that you have less of a chance of getting a heart attack or other cardiovascular complication. Heart arrhythmia is another condition that can be helped by eating tuna, thanks once more to the omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients in the tuna. In conclusion, you cannot overlook the health benefits offered by tuna fish. Even if you do not like the taste, eating tuna is a great way to get a lot of nutrients without the high calories and fat that come with other nutrient-rich food.
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About Tuna Types

Learning About Tuna Types
If you are a fan of tuna, then learning about tuna types will more than likely be right up your alley. These little fish may be tiny, but they supply food for millions of people around the world. What's more is that you can take tuna meat and mix it with a variety of ingredients to get the perfect snack or meal. Tuna also are an important part of the marine food chain, which allows many diverse and unique species to survive. If you are up for learning about tuna types, then keep reading.
A Brief Introduction to Tuna
Let us begin by talking about the fish in question: tuna. Tuna is a term used to denote species of fish that live primarily in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These fish are carnivorous and dwell in cold water and warm water alike, which makes them very accessible to fishermen. In fact, tuna fish are some of the most heavily fished sea creatures in the world. They can grow anywhere from 3 feet to 10 feet, and can weigh from a few pounds to hundreds of pounds. Indeed, the largest tuna ever caught – a bluefin tuna – weighed in at a whopping 1,496 pounds! The size of the tuna will depend on what type of tuna it is, ranging from the smallest – bullet tuna – to the largest – northern bluefin tuna. We will now learn more about the tuna types themselves.
All About Tuna Types and What They Are
The term 'tuna' actually refers to a collection of species in the family Scombridae. They are divided into five smaller groups called genera: Thunnus, Euthynnus, Allothunnus, Auxis, and Katsuwonus. Typically, fish in the Thunnus genus are the largest, and fish in the Auxis are the smallest. We will mostly talk about tuna that belong to the Thunnus genus, since they are the ones that are most common recognized.
When you eat tuna from the grocery store, chances are you are eating albacore tuna. Albacore is the most popular type of tuna and is the only type whose meat can legally be called white. Other popular types of tuna as far as commercial purposes go are yellowfin tuna and bluefin tuna. As mentioned above, bluefin tuna are the largest tuna in the world and have a strong yet delicious taste. If you buy light canned tuna, chances are you are buying skipjack tuna, a genus that tends to be smaller (around 4 feet long). This type of tuna is in the same genus as bullet tuna, which is the smallest type out there.
One of the most interesting thing about tuna types is how they all adapt to their environments. Most types of tuna are highly mobile and migrate from place to place – or ocean to ocean with the bluefin. This makes them hard to pin down at times. Also, some of the larger tuna types, like bluefin tuna and bigeye tuna, have the ability of raising their temperature above the temperature of the water around them – which means they can better adapt to their surroundings and survive. Furthermore, there are other types of tuna, like dogtooth tuna, that are not types of tuna at all (but are closely related).
In conclusion, there are many wonderful things about tuna types and the similarities and differences between them that are worth exploring. Whether you enjoy them for their taste, or are just a marine enthusiast or fisherman, learning about tuna types will surely prove to be quite interesting and useful to you in the future.