The Bonito fish is medium size and …it is a predatory fish.
Bonito fish have vertical lines on the back and the bottom side they are silver. Four varieties of Bonito Fish are available worldwide, and they are scientifically known as Sarda. These fish are valued by both, commercial and sport fishing enthusiasts. They are also used as bait to catch large fish.
4 Incredible Bonito Facts!
Bonitos swim with a speed that could range from 40 to 48 kilometers per hour.
Bonito fish belong to the carnivorous and predatory class of fish belonging to the Scomberidae family. They feed on a number of their prey including, other small fishes and other invertebrates.
Some fishermen take them intending to use them as ‘bait’ for catching the larger fish.
Bonito Fish prefers to move in groups of the group is called school.
Types and Scientific Names
Then we have the four primary sizes of Bonito Fish which are most often identified today. These are the Atlantic Bonito, the Pacific Bonito, the Indo-Pacific Bonito, and the Australian Bonito. The scientific nomenclature for the above species is Sarda Sarda, Sarda Chiliensis, Sarda Orientalis, and Sarda Australis. Sarda is the name used to describe the genus to which the Bonita Fish belongs to. The second word of the scientific names of these species describes the locations where the Bonito Fish is endemic.
- Atlantic bonito – Sarda sarda – As with the other subspecies of the Bonito, the name speaks of it place of origin. These can be found in shallow waters the Atlantic Ocean as quite expected but they also reside inward in the Mediterranean Sea and into the Black Sea. Both their populations are very much involved in commercial fishing.
- Although there was some confusion about these being subspecies of Sarda chiliensis, they are considered game fish because they fight well and are found in schools from the Alaskan coast to Baja California.
- Eastern Pacific Bonito – Sarda chiliensis – Ranges from the cost of Chile down to Ecuador.
- Indo-Pacific Bonito – Sarda orientalis – informally known as mackerel bonito and the striped bonito, they live in the Eastern Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions. They are often seen swimming with schools of tuna not rarely. Their backs are grained in narrow vertical stripes, and this earned them one of the nicknames.
- Australian Bonito – Sarda australis – The Australian bonito is positively identified in the waters of Australia as well as New Zealand and it’s otherwise recognized as horse mackerel or rather known as ‘little bonito’. It normally does not exceed such dimensions as 40 inches or 22 pounds.
These fish are from the group called Scombridae. This family has 51 species.
Appearance
Some of these fish can be as long as 30 inches in length. They possess a more gradual or smooth-shaped body which is most like that of a tuna fish. They have blue longitudinal lines on their backs and gray to silver ventrally. One characteristic of a Fish is that its tail is forked and its base is very thin in this kind.
Distribution, Population and Habitat
The four different species are in the various geographical regions of the world. It preferentially lives in an environment with waters between 23.8- 32 degrees Celsius north of Chile up to the Gulf of Alaska bottom inhabitants; nonetheless, most areas are warmer in southern California and Mexico.
Atlantic Bonito Fish is located in the area of longitude 30°W and 4° E latitude 57°N to 40° S. You also find them in the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the north of the Gulf of Mexico. Australian Bonitos are located near New Zealand and Australian waters in temperate climate regions.. Indo-Pacific Bonito is found in the Gulf of California to Peru area. They can also be found around the Oceanic Islands except Clipperton. In the Pacific region, white Sharks are also found around the Oceanic Islands except for Clipperton Island.
These fish prefer to live in different areas as shown below. Some are found in areas where there is relatively deeper water and some feed in kelp forests, which are relatively shallow water regions. However, on average such sort of fish is many a time found closer to the shore than the older fish. They may also swim into bays or harbors. Grown-up Bonitos may dive up to a depth of 300 feet.
As for the total number of these fish or any of the species, there is not much information although the fish is not endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, then they have a conservation status of least concern.
Predators and Prey
What Eats Them?
Bonito Fish exists in very many natural threats Natural predators;-beta fish, other fish species, seals, whales, dolphins, killer whales, marlins, mantas, sharks, squid, birds, etc. Sailfish, Striped Marlin, Swordfish, and Bluefin Tuna love to feed on the bonitos. Marine malls such as Dolphins, Pelagic sharks, Thresher sharks, Shortfin mako sharks as well as Sea lions are known to feed on this fish.
What Do They Eat?
Bonitos as a group of fish that feed on other fish and other sea products. Their favorite foods include anchovies, squids, sardines, herrings, mackerels, and shrimp. The meal plan of a Bonito will change for the various types depending on the other marine animals that dwell in the same region they inhabit.
These fish reach the maturity sexual age at about the age of two years. The period in a year when there is likely to be spawning also depends on the season of the year. For example, Atlantic Bonitos; it is expected that they release its larvae in the summer while Pacific Bonitos release them between late January and May.
Bonitos are broadcast spawners. This means that they break and shed the sperm and the eggs – which are also referred to as the gametes – into the water where they will be’autres. Once the eggs are laid, the male and female do not even sit over the eggs or take care of the young ones.
Fishing and Cooking
These fish are fished both for sport and for commerce. Most people capture small Bonitos to use them as Live bait for other larger fish like Mackarel. Also, many people mentioned that the catch of Bonito a good chance to practice tackle fishing is a good sign for fishermen. More of these fish are around in spring or summer even though these fish are caught all year round.
Bonito vs Bonita
Though both names sound almost identical, a Bonita Fish and a Bonito Fish are not the same. Bonitas also belong to the group of Scombridae. The other scientific name for Bonita Fish is Euthynnus Alletturaturs. While Bonito Fish bear much resemblance to mackerels, Bonita fish are related most to the tunas.
