The frigate tuna, also known as the frigate mackerel or alagaduwa (Auxis thazard), is a species belonging to the family Scombridae. This species is globally distributed in tropical oceanic environments. Notably, the population in the eastern Pacific has been classified by certain experts as a distinct species, Auxis brachydorax.
Characterized as marine, pelagic-neritic, and oceanodromous, the frigate tuna can reach a maximum length of 65 cm, with a more commonly observed length of 60 cm. The maximum recorded weight for this species is 1.7 kg.
Adult frigate tunas inhabit epipelagic zones in both neritic and oceanic waters. Their diet primarily consists of small fish, squid, planktonic crustaceans (megalopa), and stomatopod larvae. They play a significant role in the marine food web due to their abundance, serving as a vital food source for commercially valuable species. Additionally, they are preyed upon by larger predatory fish, including other tuna species. In terms of market availability, frigate tunas are sold fresh and frozen, and are also processed in dried or salted, smoked, and canned forms.
The spawning season of the frigate tuna varies by region and can, in certain areas, continue throughout the entire year, influenced by temperature and other environmental factors.
Like many fish, the frigate tuna hosts a range of parasites. Among these, digeneans are a notable group, which are endoparasitic within the fish's intestinal tract.
Why it's threatened
Threat classification from the IUCN Red List.
