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.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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.
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.
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