Frigate Tuna

Auxis thazard

The frigate tuna (Auxis thazard) is a small tuna in the family Scombridae. Adults reach up to 65 cm and 1.7 kg with a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body, dark blue above with a distinctive pattern of oblique wavy lines on the scaleless area behind the corselet, and silvery below. This species inhabits tropical and subtropical open waters worldwide at depths of 0-200 meters, often near the surface. Frigate tuna are fast, schooling predators that hunt in packs, feeding on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are found throughout the world's tropical oceans and are commonly encountered by divers at offshore reefs, seamounts, and around floating objects. Their rapid swimming speed and schooling behavior create dynamic underwater scenes. They are also important prey for larger predators including marlins, sharks, and dolphins.