A small, abundant pelagic tuna with horizontal belly stripes, the species behind most canned light tuna.
Where it lives
Skipjack inhabit all warm and tropical oceans, generally in surface waters above 18 C. They are highly mobile and form large schools that move with prey and temperature. Pacific stocks dominate, but Atlantic and Indian populations also support major fisheries.
How to recognise it
A small, compact tuna with a metallic dark blue back, silvery sides, and four to six dark horizontal stripes on the belly — the field mark separating skipjack from other tunas. The body is more cigar-shaped and the head proportionally smaller than yellowfin or bluefin.
Diet & behavior
Skipjack are voracious schoolers that herd anchovies, sardines, squid, and small crustaceans into tight bait balls. Like other tunas, they are warm-bodied and must swim continuously. Spawning occurs year-round in tropical waters.
Fisheries & Conservation
Globally Least Concern. Skipjack is the most abundant tuna species globally and accounts for over half of all canned tuna; purse-seine fisheries in the Western Pacific are particularly productive.