Family Tuna
Sarda sarda

Description: identified by their color, the conspicuously wavy lateral line, 16 to 22 gill rakers on the first arch and the 3 lateral keels on the caudal peduncle. The species has a steel-blue back and upper sides punctuated by 5 to 11 dark, slightly oblique stripes that run forward and downward. The lower sides are silver. The skipjack tuna, Euthynnus pelamis, is also striped, but the markings are along the lower sides and belly. The Atlanitc bonito will inhabit either brackish or coastal saltwater areas. This migratory species is commonly found schooling.

Similar Fish: Little Tunny, Skipjack Tuna

Where found: inshore, nearshore.

Size: Common to 3 pounds.

Fishing Hints: Commonly caught using medium tackle by trolling. Try trolling feather lures pulled close to the boat. Bonito prefer a lively bait, so consider trolling a little faster for this species.

Note: Larvae feed on other fish larvae, but prefer copepods; juveniles also consume larvae. Adults eat larger fish such as mackerels and menhaden as well as squids and shrimps.