lauttimur.com - Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and Frigate tuna (Auxis thazard) are two different species of tuna that are often confused due to their similar appearance, but they have some key differences:

1. Species

• Skipjack Tuna: Skipjack tuna, also known as Katsuwonus pelamis, is a species of tuna that belongs to the family Scombridae. It is one of the smaller species of tuna.
• Frigate Tuna: Frigate tuna, on the other hand, belongs to the genus Auxis, and one common species is Auxis thazard. It is also referred to as the little tunny.

2. Size

• Skipjack Tuna: Skipjack tuna is typically smaller than frigate tuna. It usually reaches a maximum length of around 30 inches (76 cm) and can weigh up to 22 pounds (10 kg).
• Frigate Tuna: Frigate tuna is larger in size compared to skipjack tuna. It can reach lengths of up to 35 inches (89 cm) and weigh up to 40 pounds (18 kg).

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3. Coloration

• Skipjack Tuna: Skipjack tuna has a dark blue to purple-black back with a silver-white belly. It also has distinctive horizontal stripes running along its body.
• Frigate Tuna: Frigate tuna has a dark blue-black back and a silvery-white belly as well. However, it lacks the prominent horizontal stripes seen on skipjack tuna.

4. Habitat

• Skipjack Tuna: Skipjack tuna is commonly found in warm tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It tends to inhabit the upper layers of the ocean and is often associated with floating objects like debris or seaweed.
• Frigate Tuna: Frigate tuna also inhabits warm waters, but it is more frequently encountered in offshore and pelagic environments, and it tends to be found at greater depths than skipjack tuna.

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5. Fishing and Culinary Use

• Skipjack Tuna: Skipjack tuna is one of the most commercially important species of tuna and is commonly used in canned tuna products, as well as for sashimi and other seafood dishes.
• Frigate Tuna: Frigate tuna is less commonly targeted for commercial fishing compared to skipjack tuna. It is sometimes caught for its meat, but it is not as widely consumed as some other tuna species.

In summary, skipjack tuna and frigate tuna are distinct species with differences in size, coloration, habitat, and culinary use. While skipjack tuna is more commonly encountered in commercial fisheries and food products, frigate tuna is less frequently targeted for its meat.

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