These amazing swimmers are in some serious need of protection. The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is critically endangered; it’s so overfished that if we don’t do something to protect it soon, it’ll likely go extinct within our lifetime! Also, if the Bluefin Tuna disappears from the Atlantic ocean, they may be gone for good because it doesn’t like living in captivity.
Top Fin Facts
Body Builders – The Bluefin Tuna is big and strong, with an average length of 458 cm and a maximum weight of 684 kg. It’s also built for speed, having a torpedo-shaped body jam-packed with muscle. This comes in handy when it needs to catch prey and travel super-long distances across the Atlantic ocean.
Making Friends– Bluefin Tuna hang-out in schools and it’s not uncommon for different species of tuna to swim together.
Old and Wise– Wild Bluefin Tuna usually live around 15 years, but the longest lifespan is estimated at between 20 and 30 years!
Baby Tuna– Atlantic Bluefin Tuna breed once a year, and migrate to either the Gulf of Mexico or the Mediterranean Sea to spawn (that is, lay eggs).
What you can do to help:
- Learn about what ocean dwellers you can eat safely without endangering a species with The Canadian Seafood Guide
- Talk to your friends and family about the Bluefin Tuna to spread awareness about how this fish needs protecting
http://www.eol.org/pages/223943
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101126094542.htm
