- The name of the fish derives from the Latin and Greek names for the fish, which in turn derives from the ancient Greek word for "to rush or dart along".
- They are predatory fish, adapted for speed. A yellowfin tuna is capable of speeds of up to 75 km/h (47 mph).
- Being built for speed is the reason tuna meat is darker in colour than that of most other fish. The reason is that they have more myoglobin in their muscles because their Blood is rich in Oxygen in order to provide more energy.
- Tuna belong to the mackerel family (Scombridae) and form a sub-group, Thunnini, of that family. There are 15 different species of tuna.
- The sizes of tuna range from the bullet tuna which grows to a maximum length of 50 cm (1.6 ft), and weighs around 1.8 kg (4 lb) to the Atlantic bluefin tuna which can grow to 4.6 m (15 ft) in length and weigh 684 kg (1,508 lb).
- Provided they can escape being made into a tuna sandwich, a bluefin tuna can live up to 50 years.
- Tuna are among a small number of fish which can maintain their body temperature as higher than the surrounding Water (the others are opah and mackerel sharks).
- Canned tuna was first produced in Australia in 1903, but it is Japan which is the biggest tuna consuming nation.
- Schools of tuna often associate themselves with Dolphins, because the dolphins can protect them from Sharks, a predator of the tuna. This is why tuna fishing is fraught with issues surrounding catching dolphins in their nets as well as the tuna.
- Tuna meat is a source of protein, phosphorous, vitamin D and Iron. It contains no carbohydrate. A 100g serving contains 200 calories.
I write fiction, too! My characters include some British superheroes and a psychic detective. You never know, your new favourite could be here! You won't know unless you look...
 |
Browse other topics I've covered in this blog - HERE.
Like my Facebook page for news of Topical Ten posts, posts on my writing blog, and news of upcoming publications. |
No comments:
Post a Comment