Biology and Ecology of Bluefin Tuna

This book focuses on latest information on the biology and ecology of the three bluefin tuna species: the Pacific (Thunnus orientalis), Atlantic (T. thynnus), and southern bluefin tuna (T. maccoyii). In the book, the phylogeny and basic ecological information such as early life history, age and growth, and food habits are covered. Information related to migratory ecology, and important biological aspects such as metabolism and energetics, swimming performance, schooling, visual physiology, and reproductive physiology are also included.

Furthermore, new research insights about various kinds of mathematical models for bluefin tuna ecology are introduced. All the chapters are contributed by active scientists engaged in bluefin tuna research. The intent of this book is to contribute to a better understanding of the biology and ecology of bluefin tuna, and encourage undergraduate and graduate students who read this book to become bluefin tuna scientists who can contribute to further understanding of the biology and ecology of bluefin tuna.

Phylogeny of bluefin tuna species. Early life history. Age, Growth and Reproductive Biology of Bluefin Tunas. Feeding Ecology of Bluefin Tunas. Distribution and horizontal movements of Pacific bluefin tuna. Formation of a Pacific bluefin tuna fishing ground on their spawning grounds around the Ryukyu Islands: Implication of a relationship with mesoscale eddies. Movements and habitat use of Atlantic bluefin tuna. Distribution and Migration - Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyyi). Understanding bluefin migration using intrinsic tracers in Tissues. Otolith geochemical analysis for stock discrimination and the study of migratory ecology. Metabolic Limits and Energetics. Swimming performance of Pacific Bluefin tuna. Schooling behavior of Pacific bluefin tuna. Visual physiology. Physiology of bluefin tuna reproduction: new insights into reproduction in wild and captive bluefin tuna species. Introduction to modeling: vertical movement of bluefin Tuna as a stochastic process. Mathematical growth model. A Method for measuring swimming behavior of Pacific bluefin tuna.

Takashi Kitagawa, Shingo Kimura