Sarda chiliensis (Cuvier, 1832)
Eastern Pacific bonito
photo by BĂ©arez, P.

Family:  Scombridae (Mackerels, tunas, bonitos), subfamily: Scombrinae
Max. size:  102 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 11 kg
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 0 - 100 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Southeast Pacific: northern Peru to Talcahuano, Chile (Ref. 9340). The northern subspecies Sarda chiliensis lineolata occurs from off the coast of Alaska, southward to Cabo San Lucas at the tip of Baja California, and in the Revillagigedo Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 17-19; Anal soft rays: 12-15; Vertebrae: 42-46. Mouth moderately large. Laminae of olfactory rosette 21 to 39. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Swim bladder absent. Spleen large and prominent in ventral view. Liver with elongate left and right lobes and a short middle lobe. Body completely covered with very small scales posterior to the corselet.
Biology:  A coastal species that reaches sexual maturity at two years of age (Ref. 9340). Older individuals are encountered farther from the coast as compared to the juveniles (Ref. 9340). Spawning is discontinuous and a female of 3 kg may produce millions of eggs per season (Ref. 9340). Forms schools by size. Feeds on a variety of small schooling fishes, squids and shrimps. This species is important to the recreational hook and line fishery operating from private and party boats, piers and jetties, and from the shore. Also caught with encircling nets (Ref. 9340). Utilized fresh, canned and frozen; eaten broiled and baked (Ref. 9988).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 November 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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