The Atlantic Bonito, which is also commonly referred to as the Common Bonito or the Sarda or simply the Bonito, is one of the most well-known, fastest, and commercially significant fish of the Scombridae family. This family also includes the tunas. The body is hydrodynamic and spindle-shaped, designed to cut through water at high speeds. The colour is metallic blue on the back and silver on the belly. The most characteristic feature that distinguishes it from related species is the 5 to 10 bold dark stripes on the back and sides, which are slanted and run downward towards the front.

Confusion often occurs with other small tunas, but the differences are clear. The Atlantic Bonito has slanted stripes, while the Little Tunny has maze-like patterns on its back and black spots on its belly. The Albacore lacks stripes and is identified by its massive pectoral fin.

Fisheries & Economic Value

It has great commercial importance. The fish is caught in large numbers by professional vessels with purse seines and nets when the schools pass through specific routes. For recreational fishers, it is one of the most popular targets for surface trolling and spinning because of the fight it provides. The meat is dark red, firm, and very delicious. It is the ideal fish for preparing traditional lakerda in brine or oil, but it is also eaten grilled or baked.

The animal is a greedy and ruthless hunter that relies on its vision and speed. It feeds mainly on schooling surface fish such as sardines and anchovies, as well as round sardinella and horse mackerel. It also eats squid and shrimp. It is known for its cannibalistic behaviour because larger individuals often eat smaller members of their own species.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the Atlantic Bonito as a species of Least Concern globally. Scientific studies have shown that it performs long migrations between the Black Sea and the Aegean and the Mediterranean for breeding and feeding. Research on its development has shown that it is one of the fastest-growing scombroids, reaching sexual maturity in just the first year of life.