Bigeye tuna

Introduction: Bigeye tunas (Thunnus obesus) have large, spindle-shaped bodies, tapered at both ends, covered by small adhering scales. They rarely approach the coast, preferring the ocean, forming large shoals with yellowfin or skipjack tuna. Thunnus is an ancient Greek name for 'tuna' and obesus means 'fat'. As you might have guessed, they have big eyes.

Distribution: Thermal Namibian coastal waters from the Orange River to Kunene River in waters of 17 to 22ºC.

Diet: Small fish, squid and pelagic crustaceans such as krill.

Colouration: Metallic blue above, whitish lower sides and belly. Other parts such as the anal and second dorsal fins are yellowish.

Breeding: Huge amounts of eggs are produced by the females, mainly because of double breeding seasons.

Max size: 200cm. Max weight: 89kg