Photo Courtesy Fishbase.org
Bigeye tuna is very much sought out for its flesh texture and flavor. In Japan it is often served as sashimi. This tuna family lives in all tropical and subtropical waters, if it is allowed to live, that is. Since it is quickly being overfished, the IUCN has listed them as VULNERABLE.
The juveniles are often seen hanging out with floating objects, or mixing with other tunas and sometimes nearer to shore, where the adults are usually in much deeper parts of the open ocean. Both feed on cephalopods, crustaceans and other fish.
If these fish are being taken quicker than they can reproduce, why aren’t there laws to protect them? That is the million dollar question. Why?
Snorkeling in Hawaii is such a delight. It is very possible to see small tuna coming close to shore. Have your camera ready. The photo opportunities are endless!