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Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis)

The smallest of the commercial tuna species, it usually does not reach one meter length (40–80 m). Skipjack is highly migratory and is found throughout the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans between 55–60°N and 45–50°S, although the greatest abundance is registered in equatorial waters. This species usually swims near the surface and exhibits a strong tendency to school by size. Large schools of adult skipjack tuna often mix with albacore and juvenile yellowfin and bigeye tuna. Schools may also occur with whales or whale sharks and with drifting or floating objects. Moreover, they are the principal species associated with FADs, where can be caught in conjunction with juvenile yellowfin and bigeye tunas.

See also Tropical tuna species.

Skipjack