How to Identify Dogtooth Tuna

To identify Dogtooth Tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side is dark blue to black, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Fins are generally dark. No distinct spots or stripes on the body.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, conical, dog-like teeth in both jaws, visible even when the mouth is closed., Absence of scales on most of the body, except for a small corselet of scales around the pectoral fins and along the lateral line., Relatively long, slender body compared to other tunas., First dorsal fin is low and long, followed by a series of finlets.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins, widely separated. The first dorsal fin has 11-14 spines, and the second dorsal fin has 12-15 soft rays, followed by 6-7 finlets. The first dorsal fin is notably lower and longer than in many other tuna species.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin (tail fin), characteristic of fast-swimming pelagic fish.

Pectoral fin

Relatively short pectoral fins, typically not reaching the interspace between the dorsal fins.

Distinctive fins

Possesses 6-7 dorsal finlets and 6-7 anal finlets, typical of scombrids. The anal fin has 12-13 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Teeth

   Look for the prominent, conical, dog-like teeth, which are a key distinguishing feature and give the fish its common name.

2. 2

   Scales

   Note the almost entirely scaleless body, except for the corselet around the pectoral fins. Most other tunas have more extensive scaling.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Its more elongated and slender body profile, compared to the more robust, football-shaped bodies of many other tuna species.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fin

   The first dorsal fin is relatively low and long, unlike the taller, more triangular first dorsal fins of some other tunas.

5. 5

   Coloration

   The dark blue to black dorsal coloration contrasting with silvery flanks, without any distinct spots, stripes, or patterns on the body.

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