Skipjack Tuna is the smallest among the tuna species, but it makes up the most significant part of the tuna catch. The majority of the Skipjack Tuna are caught close to the surface using pole line equipment or purse seines. Seventy percent of the canned or pouched tuna are made of Skipjack. 

Facts about Skipjack Tuna

• Skipjack Tunas live mainly in the open sea or the pelagic zones. They never swim deeper than the epipelagic areas or zones where light enters the water.
• These fish are well distributed in the tropical oceans globally. They can survive at the temperature of the Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean.
• Skipjack Tunas are carnivores that eat krill, fish, squid, and shrimp.
• Human beings rely heavily on Skipjack Tuna as food. It is one of the most prolific fisheries across the world.
• Skipjack Tuna populations breed throughout the year. Interestingly, female Skipjack Tuna produce more eggs in warm regions than cold. A larva takes 18 months to attain sexual maturity.
• Skipjack Tuna weighs between 18 to 34 kg.
• It is 80 to 108 cm long.
• Skipjacks do not have scales, except around the neck.
• It looks dark blue purplish-black, its belly has a silvery color.
• Their main threats are human beings, Yellowfin Tunas, Sharks, Billfishes, Seabirds, and Wahoo.
• A Skipjack Tuna’s lifespan is 8 to 12 years.
• Skipjack Tunas love sticking together, and they exhibit collective behavior.
• They swim faster in the ocean at 45 to 75 mph.