Bigeye (Thunnus obesus) are found in the tropical and subtropical areas of the Atlantic (but not in the Mediterranean), Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Bigeye reach similar maximum sizes as yellowfin tuna.
Bigeye can form either free-swimming schools or schools associated with floating objects. Juvenile bigeye will form schools with juvenile yellowfin and skipjack tunas.
Bigeye accounted for about 7% of the 5.2-million-tonne global tuna catch in 2022.
Species Characteristics
| Size (cm) | Weight (kg) | Age (yrs) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common | 40–180 | 1.4–130 | |
| Maximum | 230 | 210 | 17 |
| Maturity | 102–135 | 25–57 | 3–4 |
| Generation Length |
7 |
Geographic Limits
- From 55–60° N and 45–50° S
- Juvenile and reproductively active adult bigeye are found in equatorial waters as well as at higher latitudes.
Species Management
The following four bigeye stocks are assessed and managed by the RFMOs:
- Atlantic Ocean
- Eastern Pacific
- Western Pacific
- Indian Ocean
RELATED RESOURCES
Bigeye Stock Health & Catch Trends
Use our “Interactive Stock Status and Catch Tool” to visualize, download, and share data about bigeye tuna:
- Stock health since 2011
- Current catch by fishing method
- Catch trends by fishing method since 1950
Tuna Conservation
Our research and advocacy work aims to ensure, on a global level, that tuna resources are well managed and protected from overfishing.
Tuna Stock Evaluations
An ISSF report uses the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) scoring system to evaluate both the health and RFMO management of 23 tuna stocks worldwide, including bluefin.
