Southern Bluefish Tuna

Average size 40-220 cm, weighing 30-180 kg. Is a highly migratory species capable of moving thousands of miles in the space of one year. Breeds south of java on the west coast of Australia. Distributed in southern oceans of the world between 10 degrees south and 50 degrees south including New Zealand. Blue-black above, silvery-white below. Pectoral fins very short, never reaching narrow gap between dorsal fins. Eye small. Fish attain their optimum condition by the time they reach New Zealand. The main fishing season is from February to October to the east of the country between 35 degrees south and 50 degrees south, where Japanese longliners have operated since the late 1960's.