Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1849)

English Name: Kawakawa
Family: SCOMBRIDAE
Local Name: Latti
Order: Perciformes
Size: Common to 55 cm; max. about I m
Specimen: MRS/0075/86

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Distinctive Characters: Two dorsal fms, thefirst with 11-14 spines, both fin separated by a narrow interspace. Anterior spines of dorsals much higher than those midway, giving the fins a strongly concave outline. Second dorsal fin much lower than first and followed by 8-10 finlets. Pectoral fins short. Two flaps between pelvic fins. Body naked except for corselet and lateral line.

Colour: Bluish black dorsally, silvery white ventrally. Many dark bands above lateral line. One or more small black spots between pelvic and pectoral fin (may not always be very conspicuous).

Habitat and Biology: Epipelagic, neritic species inhabiting water temperatures ranging from 18°Cto 29°C. Form schools. Feeds on small pelagic fishes, planktonic crabs, shrimps and stomatopod larvae.

Distribution: Warm waters of the Indo-West Pacific.

Remarks: Euthynnus afJInis is commonly caught in the Maldives by trolling. Unlike the other major tuna species (which are more oceanic) this species is closely associated with the atolls. Kawakawa is also known as “little tuna”, but this name can be confused with “small tuna” so is best avoided.