Little Tunny
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 2.3)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Scombridae
Genus:	Euthynnus
Species:	E. alletteratus
Binomial name
Euthynnus alletteratus (Rafinesque, 1810)

Little Tunny are the most common tuna in the Atlantic. Found in warm temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Occurring in large schools, and weighing up to 35 pounds, it is the smallest member of the tuna Scombridae family. Commonly called "false albacore" or "albie". It resembles the Atlantic bonito, skipjack tuna and species of mackerel. It is best identified by the dark spots appearing between its pectoral and ventral fins and "worm-like" markings on its back.^[1] Originally thought of as a trash fish because its food value is so poor it is considered inedible, it is now sought after as a sport fish due to its line stripping 40 mph runs when hooked. Commercially, the fish is used as bait for sharks and marlin.

[edit] References

• IUCN 2007. 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 28 September 2007.
• Peterson field guide
• Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia of Fishing

1. ^ Source:Ken Schultz's Fishing Encyclopedia

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