Come identificare Little Tunny

Per identificare Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

torpedo

Colorazione

Dorsal side is dark metallic blue to blue-black, fading to silvery white on the belly. Distinctive dark, wavy, longitudinal stripes on the back above the lateral line, and 3-7 prominent dark spots (often 4-5) between the pectoral and pelvic fins below the lateral line. These spots are a key identification feature.

Tipo di squame

ganoid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Robust, fusiform body, slightly compressed laterally., Small, conical teeth in a single row., Absence of scales on the body except for the corselet (a patch of large, thick scales around the pectoral fin and along the lateral line) and the lateral line itself., Pectoral fins are short, not reaching the interspace between the dorsal fins., Two dorsal fins, closely set; the first is long and spiny, the second is shorter and followed by 8-9 finlets., Anal fin is followed by 6-8 finlets., Caudal peduncle is slender with a prominent keel on each side, flanked by two smaller keels., Maximum recorded length: 122 cm (48 inches) FL (fork length), but commonly found between 60-80 cm (24-31 inches)., Maximum recorded weight: 16.5 kg (36.4 lbs).

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins; the first is long with 10-15 spines, deeply notched; the second is much shorter with 11-15 soft rays, followed by 8-9 finlets. The first dorsal fin is significantly higher anteriorly.

Pinna caudale

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

Pinna pettorale

Short, not reaching the interspace between the dorsal fins, with 25-29 rays.

Pinne distintive

Anal fin with 11-15 soft rays, followed by 6-8 finlets. Pelvic fins are small and located beneath the pectoral fins.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a robust, torpedo-shaped body, typical of fast-swimming tuna.

2. 2

   Coloration and Markings

   Identify the dark metallic blue back with distinctive wavy, longitudinal stripes above the lateral line and 3-7 (usually 4-5) prominent dark spots between the pectoral and pelvic fins below the lateral line. These spots are a key diagnostic feature.

3. 3

   Pectoral Fin Length

   The pectoral fins are relatively short and do not extend beyond the anterior margin of the first dorsal fin, nor do they reach the interspace between the two dorsal fins.

4. 4

   Scales

   Note the absence of scales on most of the body, except for the well-developed corselet around the pectoral fin and along the lateral line.

5. 5

   Finlets

   Presence of 8-9 dorsal finlets and 6-8 anal finlets following the second dorsal and anal fins, respectively.

Esplora Little Tunny