Atlantic Bonito (Sarda Sarda)

Latin name: Sarda sarda
Common name: Atlantic bonito
In other languages: E: Bonito atlantico
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Scombridae
Genus: Sarda

Distribution: Mediterranean, Black Sea and tropical and subtropical parts of the Atlantic.

Habitat: They visit the Mediterranean during the summer months on their annual migration. They have a preference for swimming close to the surface where they can be seen in the open water in small shoals.

Reproduction: Breeding season is from May to July.

Behaviour: These pelagic open water and shoaling fish can often be found in the company of blue fin tunny.

Diet: Clupeids and fish, young ones feed on zooplankton.

Size: Common: 25 - 65cm, maximum: 90cm.

Enemies: Many are taken in the tuna traps that are set each year off the coast of Spain.