Bigeye tuna

It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of all oceans and everywhere adheres to rather large depths (up to 200 m or more). Only young individuals of this species live near the surface, forming fairly dense flocks. Adult fish probably lead a solitary lifestyle. Bigeye tuna breeding occurs in the tropical zone and continues throughout the year. Its fertility varies from 2.9 to 6.3 million eggs, spawned in several portions; embryonic development at 28-29°C ends, as in other tunas, very quickly - after 21 hours.

Bigeye tuna feed on a wide variety of animals. Particularly important in the diet of this species are deep-sea and semi-deep-water fish - live-mouths, alepisaurs, godwit, hempyloids, as well as squids, pelagic octopuses, and large shrimps. Bigeye tuna reaches a length of 45-50 cm by the end of the first year of life, 70 cm at two years and 155 cm at the age of six, and sexual maturity occurs at a length of 90-100 cm. The largest known specimen of this species was caught off the coast of Peru : its length was 236 cm and weight 197 kg.

Brounspotted grouper

(Epinephelus chlorostigma)

Usually whitish body with numerous dark brown spots all over the body and most of the fins. There are dark stripes running across the body, narrowing down from the back - like those of a perch. The largest recorded parameters: length - 75 cm, weight - 7 kg, life expectancy - 29 years. It is found on reefs, among algae, on a muddy bottom. During spawning, it forms aggregations.

Skipjack tuna

Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), skipjack or skipjack tuna

In this fish, from 4 to 6 stripes run along the back of the body, brownish in the upper part of the body, painted in crimson blue, and ash blue on the silvery belly. Skipjack is the smallest of the open ocean tunas, it lacks a swim bladder, the body is practically not covered with scales, with the exception of the lateral line.

The largest recorded parameters: length - 110 cm, weight - 34.5 kg. Although usually there are individuals no longer than 50-60 cm and weighing 3-5 kg. The longest recorded life expectancy is 12 years.

Skipjack is the most characteristic fish of the surface layers of the open ocean, but it is also found in coastal waters, especially near coral reefs. It adheres to well-heated waters and is most often found at a temperature of 17-28 ° C. A mowing lifestyle is very typical for this species. Dense flocks of skipjack are formed from fish similar in size, with equal abilities for active movement. These flocks can be very impressive, sometimes including tens of thousands of individuals. In addition to "clean" shoals, aggregations are often observed in which it feeds along with yellowfin tuna, and sometimes with dolphins. Moving flocks develop a high speed, reaching up to 45 km / h. Skipjack feeds mainly on fish, squid and crustaceans. It is caught by trolling on light tackle with spinners, wobblers and live bait. In the Seychelles occasionally comes across when trolling.