Marine Life

Dogtooth tuna

Woshimas

Gymnosarda unicolor

Unlike other tunas, Gymnosarda unicolor is usually associated with coral reefs and is typically caught by trolling and handlining. A wide size range of this species is landed at Malé fish market, with most falling within the range of 40-110 cm fork length.

Details

§ 01

size: Common to 1.1 m; max. 1.5 m
color: Overall appearance grey. Back blue-black, fading to silvery below. Anterior edge of first dorsal fin dark, other fins grayish. Tips of second dorsal and anal white.
order: Perciformes
family: Scombridae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/gymnosarda-unicolor.png
habitat and biology: A species that is typically found near coral reefs, the epipelagic fish is usually solitary or in small groups. It is a voracious predator, preying on small schooling fishes and squids.
distinctive characters: The dorsal fins are close together, with the first having 13-15 spines and a nearly straight margin, followed by 6-7 finlets. The anal fin has 12-13 rays, followed by 6 finlets, and the pectoral fin has 25-28 rays. The body is elongated and moderately compressed, with a fairly large mouth containing 14-31 large conical teeth on both jaws. Additionally, there is a large, single interpelvic process and a strongly undulating lateral line.